Psalms

I watch the candles and sing again the tunes you taught me.

I still see you kindle lights, standing next to me in a white shirt,

I still feel my head on your chest in a movie theater on 13th Street,

feel yours on my shoulder, on a bench in Brighton Beach,

snow falling outside, salt in your hair.

I still sing the tunes that almost went away with you.

I won’t let the lights go out, I promised. 

I didn’t know it was a promise I gave myself.

“May those who love you be at peace.

May there be well-being within your ramparts,

peace in your citadels.”

For the sake of my kin and friends,

I pray for your well-being;

for the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I seek your good.

– Sefaria Community Translation

“May those who love you be at peace.

May there be well-being within your ramparts,

peace in your citadels.”

For the sake of my kin and friends,

I pray for your well-being;

for the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I seek your good.

– Sefaria Community Translation