Sunday, August 31, 2014

Let Creation Set You Free: Nostalgia is Good for the Soul


Sometimes, nostalgia brings back feelings from the torpor of the underworld and other times it amplifies the seedlings nestling quietly in the window box. Clearing my craft area brought me this gem from over a decade ago when I was selected to represent my school in a statewide poetry competition. I was by no means my first published poem, nor my last. What's interesting to see are the techniques I was exploring. Rhyme was obviously one. It's also nice to see how one has grown, but also, how one has remained the same. 
Nostalgia: a gift from G-d. 

Illusion in Hawaii's Sky

Stretching across the dismal skies
Vivid colors in the darkest of eyes
A double ray, a unique delight
is within my broken and blurred sight
Kissing the waves of the open sea
Gently caressing the swaying tree
Warming the heart of the ocean blue
In majestic lands of beautiful hues
Romance is ignited by its amazing sight
Passion unfurled by its summer night
Its beauty was a born in Aurora's grace
Dispering from the heavens at a bewildering pace

Danielle O'Brien
Notre Dame High School
Riverside
© 2002 Creative Communications Press




© 2014 DNKG Nostalgia

Sisterhood Day - A Jewish Retreat


           Historical recordkeeping is astonishing. For example, we could ask the Internet about July 13 and discover global events that transpired. On July 13th, the original “Hollywoodland” sign was dedicated in 1923, Babe Ruth hit home run #700 in 1934, and Rashi, the prominent Jewish scholar, died in 1105. What history books won’t reflect is the gathering of more than 100 women from 23 different synagogues at the Women of Reform Judaism’s Pacific Area Day on July 13th, 2014.

            The Sisterhood Day was transcendent. With my “sister”, Deborah Kummerman, we embraced this day of spiritual growth and networking as a holy endeavor given by G-d. We spent time noshing and exploring the newly renovated grounds of Temple Judea. We were familiar with this synagogue, but its trickling water and mosaic glass seemed to glisten differently today. The Genesis of creation, inlaid within twisting stairs lofting towards the heavens, moved us profoundly. The climb reminded us to be grateful, helped us cultivate strength, and prepared our souls to receive Torah.

            Upon entering the sanctuary, we took a moment to pause. We noticed the women: dynamic, regal, and strong. We saw Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot, a charismatic, passionate woman who brought us through Parsha Mattot. She discussed vows and oaths for women. Here, Rabbi Wissot’s shared her experience with Torah: “We women are powerful yet our voices are not recorded in Torah. But, we are not powerless! We must accept our power and use it as a spiritual connector. Recognize your power. It isn’t good or bad. It’s indiscriminate. We have a ‘choice’ to use power either way”.

            As the day closed, Deborah and I discussed programs that impacted us. We both agreed the entire program was phenomenal, with everyone bringing something unique. But, it was Rabbi Wissot that stood out. We began analyzing how a female Rabbi could impact the shul, female congregants, membership, and relationships with existing Sisterhoods. We examined our vows and choices, questioning if we’re on the leadership path we aspire for.


Are you on your path?

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Let Creation Set You Free: Elul's Call for Silence


Between paper lines
and coded words
of meetings and study
This invitation or That song
In children screaming, "NO!"
or in the loved ones who ache
and the other ones breaking.
The silence calls, to
escape, the walls caving
sit, melt, become Earth.
Revive.

2014 © DNKG Call for Silence

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Let Creation Set You Free: Secrets of the Cedar Cellar

In her silent cedar cellar
upon a warm, smokey floor
back settling upon
the burgundy spirits 
holding
her aches, joys,
dreams and curses.

She, in empty hands, asks
"Am I not enough?
Am I not woman enough?
To what do I owe this
malcontent, this disrespect,
This. This. Just.....this...

Be it true, that
the grime, the dirt
the stains on the floor
or the crinkled bed linens
dictate my
unworthiness
of being
Wife of the Year?

Be it true,
the piles of clothes,
sink of dishes,
the shedding dog,
the muddied children
and tearful baby
dictate how I am
unworthy of
Mother of the Year?

Be it true
in the mirror, oh, that mirror
which haunts and laughs
at the lines, wrinkles,
the cellulite - uninviting;

Be it true, that this body
which bore children
that receives your reprehension,
is just a memory of THE body
existing in the broken fragments
of the psyche refusing
to take form, proclaiming:
YOU are not worthy of being
a Sexy Woman."

Soft tears roll across her pink skin
carrying the pain of decades,
beading upon the amber cedar.
Arms hiding her vision
breathing in and sighs,
"Am I not enough?
Am I not enough you?"

She trails
"I am enough for me.
But, fail so miserably for you...why?"
Faintly, she chokes,
"I am enough." 

A sudden warmth enters
like first sun on dew
He, hearing her heart's sorrow,
conveys lovers words
through muted lips
and begs forgiveness, renewal
before first bird's twitter
along the willow's branch tomorrow.


© 2014 DNKG Secrets of the Cedar Cellar 

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