Ark
October 31, 2024
"Make the ark with rooms and pens."
Include thick creamy paper, soft
as brushed cotton, and enough ink
to write our way through.
None of us asked to be born into
the generation that might lose
everything: not just homes
falling into the waters
from North Carolina to Alaska
but also democracy. Not just
a free press, freedom to be Jewish,
freedom to not be pregnant
but also the capacity to draw
a full breath. Who does that anymore?
God, please tell me that somewhere
on this rickety boat, tucked
beside hay bales or the barrels
for collecting rain, I'll find hope.
We understand the physics
behind rainbows now, but
I'm still holding You to Your promise
that the cycles of day and night
will never again be blotted out
from the face of the earth.
"[Make it an ark with compartments (kinim)” - with rooms (kilin) and pens (medorin).]" Genesis Rabbah 31:9. Yes, I know the original text is referring to animal pens, not fountain pens.
North Carolina to Alaska. I'm thinking of Hurricane Helene on the east coast, and of recent devastating floods in Kotzebue in the far north and west.
But also democracy. See Trump tells supporters they won't have to vote in the future.
A free press. See We must fear for freedom of the press under a second Trump administration.
Freedom to be Jewish. See Trump says Jewish voters will bear 'a lot' of blame if he loses.
Freedom to not be pregnant. See If Trump wins the election, Idaho's extreme abortion ban could go nationwide.
Capacity to draw / a full breath. See What is the no. 1 leading cause of stress for you?
"Your promise." See Genesis 8:21-22.