Leonard Nimoy – “You and I” – A Poem for Elul and All Times

It’s been six months since we lost Leonard, and his family misses him dearly, his gentleness and intelligence, his profound interest and concern about the world, his very large heart, curiosity, and penetrating mind, his simple loving presence.

This poem of Leonard’s below came to me from a friend. (I am reprinting it here by permission of the Nimoy family) I had not seen it before which points to one of Leonard’s virtues – his modesty and humility. Though he knew what were his strengths and gifts, he didn’t talk about himself that way. He spoke rather about ideas, the creative process, the arts, world events, politics, and his family. 

Leonard’s poem is part of a longer work that he published in 1973 that included a blend of poetry with black and white photography.

Given the poem’s theme, it is particularly appropriate for us to read now, during this season of Elul, the Hebrew month preceding the High Holidays. I post it still with a particularly heavy heart.

Zecher tzaddik livracha –

May the memory of this honest, loving and righteous man be a blessing. 

I am not immortal.

I am ready to give and to receive love