A poem for a Fast Day (by Rachel Danziger) 😢

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Rachel Danziger

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Broken walls

are no longer something

I must work hard

to imagine.

Nor do I have to struggle to envision

what it's like to have

that which was supposed to be

inviolate

impenetrable

unbreakable

break down.

Our ancestors believed that the Temple meant they were invincible.

We had our own set

of similar beliefs.

Our walls fell down.

Like theirs.

With a similar devastating thunder.

Our sense of self fell down like theirs, as well.

My ancestors,

on this fast day,

and for the first time in my life,

I truly see you.

I understand you.

I mourn with you

and for you

and I mourn also

for ourselves.