Short Stories and poetry | Jamie Glaser | Tu B'Shvat

Tu B'Shvat

The locust tree
Outside my window is asleep
dreaming about the heart shaped leaves
She drew last year
Wondering if next year they will appear again
Soft and perfect
Against the mild wind
Her roots tucked in
Flurries flutter
Somewhere, someone
Is digging a hole
Placing inside it
A new beginning.
************************

Branches

My family tree
Is eclectic
Tiny buds
Eccentric willows
Weeping in the rain
The caretakers of the family
Have photosynthesis on the brain
We need everyone
The deep silent roots
Even sweet gum fruits
Reminding us to watch our step
Cottonwood seeds
Blow mercilessly
In the summer breeze
For those souls
Who miss the snow
My family tree
Is surrounding me
It feels good
To be known.
*************************

A tree in Israel

It's cold here
I long for the sun
There's a tree planted in Israel
In memory of someone
It's lonely here
Winter is not always fun
There are deep roots in Israel
Holding on
It's quiet here
I don't see an end
There is a tree planted in Israel
And I'll see her again.
*************************

The Seder

Pomegranates sweet
The wine is white
It's a cold winter's night
It's warm inside
Shabbat Shalom
The candles glow
We bless the wheat
Singing low
Add some red
Awaiting spring
Bless the grapes
Boreh poreh hagafen
We bless seven
One more cup
To fill up
Hold the barely high
Hamotzi we all sigh
Salty olives
Add some more
Sweet red wine
While we dine
Plump juicy figs
The tree's bounty
Munching on dates, aplenty
One more cup
With joy we sing
Add more red
Until it's spring
For now we celebrate the trees 🌴

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