How to Get Through the Memorial Service

If restless, let little words

come to your aid:

drop an “e” into “fast”

and enjoy the sudden feast.

Double the “o” in God.

That’s good.

Count the burnt-out bulbs

drooping from the high ceiling.

Each dark bulb is a teardrop

among the living lights.

If restless still,

peek at your mother.

See the teardrops wet her cheek

like melted snow.

Someone she softly misses:

her big sister, your aunt,

who cried these very prayers

last Yom Kippur.

Now touch your mother’s hand.

Let her feel your light.