A poem by Howard Meyerowitz

“I just read an article that referenced something Rabbi Heschel said about how important it is for people to never lose their sense of wonder, and it reminded me of something I wrote a long time ago.”

From his silent world
a young boy stares in wonder
at the scene before him.

Trees in bloom stand
like guardians in a green forest
while birds of all hues dart
and flit among their branches.

He marvels at the passage
of day into night and the shadows
made by the evening light.

His eyes allow him to enjoy
a world without sound
and he wonders at this gift.

The quiet pit-pat of a gentle spring rain
lulls the young girl into a day dreamy state
where she closes her eyes
against a sightless world and
listens to the sounds around her.

The scurrying sounds of birds
as they settle into the trees
tell her that night is approaching.

She loves the hustle bustle sounds of day
and the quiet peaceful sounds of night.
Her ears allow her to enjoy a world
without sight, and she wonders at this gift.

As the young man lies paralyzed
watching and listening
he becomes aware of the coming of night.

The diving and circling
of cacophonous birds
among the trees
announces the last hurrah of the day.

In the advanced shadows of dusk
light and sound will soften
and he will feel at peace.

His eyes and ears
allow him to enjoy
a world of immobility and
he wonders at these gifts.

Then I think, as I walk
out my front door
into a moonlit night and
hear the world settle in

“Do I still wonder?”

Howard Meyerowitz is the office manager of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger. A resident of Bloomfield, he is an active member of Beth El Temple.

Readers are invited to submit original work on a topic of their choosing to Kolot. Submissions should be sent to judiej@jewishledger.com.