Classic Poem

There was a man in the land of Ur.

Who's that at my coattails?
A pale cocksman.

Hush!
The rabbi walks in thought
as in an ordained measure
to the Ark
and slowly opens its great doors.
The congregation rises
and faces the six torahs
and the covenant
and all beyond.
The Ark glows.
Hear, O Israel!

The rabbi stands before the light
inside, alone, and prays
It is a modest prayer
for the responsibilities of his office.
The congregation is silent.

I too pray:
Let Leah my wife be recompensed for her sweet smile
and our many years of companionship
and not stick me when she cuts my hair.
And let her stay at my side at large gatherings
And let my son George and his wife Leanna
and my daughter Barbara be close,
and let their children, Jennifer, Julie and Joanna
be my sheep
and I their old shepherd.
Let them remain as they are.

And let not my white hair frighten me.

The tiger leaps,
the baboon cries,
Pity, pity
The rabbi prays

There was a man in the land of Ur.

I, son of Leopold and Flora,
also pray:
I pray for meaning
I pray for the physical,
for my soul needs no suppliant.
I pray for man.

And may a special providence look out
for those who feel deeply.