Morasha

I sit here again
at the stone chess table
outside the park
where we once talked

It's old, like you were
when you died

It's wise and sturdy
like you were when you lived

I don't recall
what we said that day
that I came to see you here
as you waited for the camp bus
but I still have the energy you gave me

I remember
how you had so much to teach me
and yet let me do so much of the talking

I remember
you telling me like it was
as you saw it

You told me
so much of what I did
like maybe writing this poem
is an escape

You told me
to watch out for one woman
not to fear another

I remember that you taught me
before I knew you
telling us that G-d's open hand serves up
the ability to be
happy with what we have

You were my Yoda
and I unashamedly
followed at your coat tails

Most people missed
you when you
were here

I miss you now

[In memory of Rabbi Pesach Oratz]