by Arlene Geller (Yardley, PA)
none of Solomon’s wisdom was imparted
when my father forced religion on me
like a too-tight outfit
after my grandmother died
before this loss, he was unobservant
holidays spent only over food
overnight, he became a Conservative Jew
and a faithful synagogue member
my Jewishness had been a protective cloak
I donned at my discretion
now his sudden threats and punishments
plunged me into the realm of Gehinnom
coerced to go to synagogue
I dressed in my resentment
endured the hard pew
the incomprehensible ancient language
people shuckling and dipping
like wind-up toys in synchronicity
like the flames of candles
and I ignited
glowing
burning slowly
Arlene Geller has been fascinated with words from a young age. She has parlayed this passion into a successful career as a writer, editor, wordcrafter, poet and lyricist. Her pieces have been published in newspapers, journals and magazines, as well as sung by choirs in commissioned works. If you’d like to learn more about her work, visit her website: arlenegeller.com
The Jewish Writing Project 