The Valleys and the Fires

For Yom HaShoah, based on Ezekiel, Chapter 37:

At least, then, there were bones.
Ezekiel might survey an astounding valley
stinking of death long past,
bones bleaching in the sunshine
for the eyes of vultures.
At least there were bones, then.

We are left, though, with nothing
save pits-turned-parks
and mounds of ashes
resembling Jews in no remote way,
and a veil of smoke blown
years ago from Birkenau and Terezin
to the farthest stretches of the earth.

How shall we make the smoke live?
How shall the ashes separate
into children and woodcutters,
scholars and brides?

We see ovens and know Your All Power,
Your mysterious, incredible Will.
Now help us, by Your unknown energy,
give life to Your Jews.

About the Author

Danny Siegel is a well-known author, lecturer, and poet who has spoken in more than 500 North American Jewish communities on Tzedakah and Jewish values, besides reading from his own poetry. He is the author of 29 1/2 books on such topics as Mitzvah heroism practical and personalized Tzedakah, and Talmudic quotes about living the Jewish life well. Siegel has been referred to as "The World's Greatest Expert on Microphilanthropy", "The Pied Piper of Tzedakah", "A Pioneer Of Tzedakah", and "The Most Famous Unknown Jewish Poet in America."