Neilah

By Samuel Adelman

Day softly tiptoes

Out through the western horizon.

Soon night

Will encompass my heart –

To bring the shadows

Of fear

And uncertainty.

Words become blurred,

They cease to

Touch my reason –

Sound alone now

Moves me –

Carries me aloft

Before the Golden Gate.

Faster –faster

I hear the

Chorus of the Hosts on High.

Not words

But G-d’s soft unspoken plea is heard –

“Keep open your gate!

Keep open your gate!

Close not

The last remaining

Hope

Of man –.”

The stars wink down

Above me –

The gate is closed

As I turn to

Walk the lonely path

Of another year.