francescoch/Getty Images I never had faith
So how could I lose it?
I suppose it accumulated
As a subtle longing
Incrementally
Like tallit coffee stains,
Wedding benschers,
Bnei mitzvah kippot—
Inescapable residue of baruchu, shema, and Hallelujah.
Today,
I open the siddur and
The unexpected, uninvited hope has vanished in the night,
Slain.
Dragged down to Sheol
On a motorcycle.
Leaving me nothing but the helpless, naked
Words
Sustainer, life-giver, supporter, healer, redeemer.
Who, indeed, is like you
Four letter word?
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