Miriam
When Miriam the prophet
Raised her תוף
All the women joined
Singing praises to the One
Who redeemed the slaves
And vanquished the armies
Of the narrow place
They danced up a cloud
Of joy
Reaching to the heavens
Grateful for their people’s release
Into more expansive life
And preparing themselves
For the different challenges
Of personal restraint
A Curse
A curse consumes the earth
The daughters of Judah
Have stopped dancing
Their souls cry out
Against crimes of men
Comedy has disappeared
Darkness returns every morning
And laughter feels like phlegm
Getting up to zero is an aspiration
As we await the strength of numbers
To reject the aggrieved
Who set the world on fire
Consuming the beauties of the earth
Miriam
When Miriam the prophet
Raised her תוף
All the women joined
Singing praises to the One
Who redeemed the slaves
And vanquished the armies
Of the narrow place
They danced up a cloud
Of joy
Reaching to the heavens
Grateful for their people’s release
Into more expansive life
And preparing themselves
For the different challenges
Of personal restraint
A Curse
A curse consumes the earth
The daughters of Judah
Have stopped dancing
Their souls cry out
Against crimes of men
Comedy has disappeared
Darkness returns every morning
And laughter feels like phlegm
Getting up to zero is an aspiration
As we await the strength of numbers
To reject the aggrieved
Who set the world on fire
Consuming the beauties of the earth