RACHEL'S TOMB
by Yaffa Ganz
Nestled against the warm white stonein the courtyard encircling Rachel's Tomb,
squinting into the bright sunlight,
I ask for blessings.
For Rachel's sons and daughters,
for my people,
for their Land, being torn asunder.
Vultures circle the sky, talons flexed,
waiting to pounce
upon the single dove.
But the walls of the tomb
are warm and strong.
The arms of a mother
encircle and protect.
This is my birthing place.
Here I am home.
*************************************************
BEN ONI
by Yaffa Ganz
It was foretold...
born Ben Oni -- Son of My Affliction,
he was Rachel's child of grief and pain.
Called Binyamin -- Son of My Strength,
he was Jacob's child of comfort, solace and relief.
The only one of twelve
who never bowed to foreign rule.
He was born in God's Land.
(c)2000/5761 Yaffa Glanz, All works here reproduced here with the author's kind permission
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