We Always Hope

We always hope

behind the smile

there is

true joy

or

at least

honest amusement.

We hope

the smile

is

not hiding

fear,

or anger,

or hatred,

or conspiracy.

Hope

is what

we cling to

so that

we will not

be overtaken

by

conspiracy,

hatred,

anger,

or fear.

We always hope

the smile

is hiding

nothing.

Facial Recognition

Who?

Who is that?

I know that face.

I’ve seen that face before.

Who is that?

On the tip of my tongue,

And lodged deeply in my memory,

There is a name that goes with that face.

Who is that?

It is a famous face;

With a famous name;

A household name.

Everybody knows that face.

Everybody knows that name.

Who is that?

Who?

Keeping the Center

Surrounded by

shards and shreds

of life and memory

we must keep at our center

the Shema:

Shema, Yisrael;

Adonai Eloheinu,

Adonai Echad.

Hear, O Israel,

the LORD our God,

the LORD is One.

Too Funny

Laughter.

Best medicine.

Laugh more.

Every day.

Laugh at yourself.

Laugh at life.

Laugh.

You know

you want to.