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Jen Maidenberg

If I cry in February

It’s that time of year again …

February in Israel —

And a love poem

has been percolating

inside of me.

Each Saturday in February, I promise to find the words and put them down. But instead I get lost in the fields of my muse.

In fact …there she is again.

See her?

kalanit 1

With my pointer finger, I trace her fleeting beauty.

But as quickly as verse forms, it crumbles.

There are no words.

She is to be seen, not heard.

kalanit 2

And yet …

A love poem

percolates

inside me.

What to do with all those

almost-words?

Continue to try to capture with precision

my longing?

Her sultry stare?

A nation’s adoration?

Why must I?

Why can’t I just love her?

kalanit 3

If I cry in February,

be kind.

Know that it’s because I’m once again

without words.

In love —

for the briefest of breaths.

With a flower.

===

 

One day I will — write a poem. But until then, please enjoy this song written by Nathan Altermann in 1945 and first sung by Shoshana Damari. Translated lyrics in English may be found here.

About the Author
Jen Maidenberg made Aliyah to the Lower Galilee with her family in 2011. A published writer and author, she chronicles her life in prose and poetry at www.andyaddayadda.com
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