this this is the country we live in surrounded by buzzing life the kids finding their way to their seats having been guided ahead of time by their teachers, to be silent, respectful look down during the siren so that they may stifle the uncomfortable giggle of awkwardness discomfort, and…

My eyes water as I listen to another speech, another song, another poem. we all ache for each and every loss, A growing list of all those who won’t be coming home. Israel’s sons and daughters, but as we light a candle together and recite names, hold each other there…

אובדן, אהבה, וזכרון כשהלב שלי פועם, זועם חוסר נוכחותך כשהיינו יחד, משולבים נשמתי אותך ואתה אותי לא ראיתי בזה תלות אלא זכות לחלוק חיים עם החצי השני שתמיד חיפשתי יד מחזיקה יד תמיכה, החיים יחד לדעת שלא נהיה לבד להתעורר לצידך במיטה להתחבק, להירדם חזרה מתגעגעת אפילו לנחירות שלך שהזיכרו…

Partner, Father, Lover — and Loss Every day is a memorial to you, partner, lover, friend, the father that should have been (fictional) I love and I always will But I’m angry, I’m so angry at you still You left me, and I know it’s not your fault, but I have no one else to blame, each time It feels like a punch straight to the gut …

a tale of love, longing, and belonging The skin on the back of my neck, awakened by the humidity of your lips against me. The contrast of the cold that was against the warmth of your wanting. Every hair on my silky body standing at attention at the mere whisper…

My Mom is the kind of person who becomes friends with everyone. I took after her to some extent. I don’t know if it’s our faces that somehow encourage strangers to start a conversation, and open up. …

Saw you when I closed my eyes saw you and I recognize all the pain you put me through still could not give up on you How could I have let you in Crumbled my walls from within Weakened and then start again. Giving in, living with your sin, and…

I have a confession. I’ve been with my husband since the age of 22. That’s a long time. I was barely a person back then (no offense to the younguns out there, it’s jealousy of your youth). I love him and he’s wonderful. I just have an addiction. To breakup…

Grandma will you tell me Why you always finish The food on your plate Grandma will you tell me What it’s like to wish For an end to hate? Grandma will you tell me Why your hand is inked And why you always say Our future as a people is …