These Old Bones – A poem for Parsha Chayei Sarah

And Isaac and Ishmael [Abraham’s] sons buried him in the Cave of Machpelah in the field of Ephron… ~ Genesis 25:9

Wouldn’t it be nice if we met our
long lost brothers and sisters

at the cave where we buried our
oldest ancestor?

What would we say to them about
how things have turned out?

The grandfather with the open tent
surrounded by descendants

who have closed our tents
who tear down each other’s tents

who don’t remember the gifts he gave us
before we put him in this ground.

Family should never lose touch like this.
Forget what we have in common.

Forget who we have in common.
It’s time for a family reunion.

Let’s head to that old cave.
The bones of Abraham are there.

I can feel them inside my own body.
I know you have them too.

Rick Lupert, a poet, songleader and graphic designer, is the author of 27 books including “God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion.”