Some People Kiss Runways

This week we have both Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’Atzma’ut (Israel Independence Day). I will feature several of my related works, most from the 1970s and 1980s, over the next few days.

Personal Preference

I think
(now that I look back)
I’d rather drive a taxi
in Jerusalem
than be the King
of all of South Dakota
or the Cantor
in the Great and Ancient Synagogue
of West Rangoon.

I don’t know why.

Here the sun sets red,
and there the suns set red.

Here the trees sway with infinite grace,
and there the breeze moves the leaves
with equally gentle fingers.

I don’t know why
I’d rather drive a taxi in Jerusalem,

but neither have I come to know
just why the seed becomes a daffodil
and not a rose.

Some People Kiss Runways

Give me 5 more years
xxxaway from Israel

I will go back “home”
xxxto make and save my money

So that when I come back home again
xxxlife will be uncomplicated

And I can spend
xxxas many as my days

Will be at Lod
xxxwith a barrel of honey

And a vat of milk
xxxto sprinkle on the runway