Tree and Lights

Across the street, my neighbors
Mounted a large tree in the window
Of their front room, maybe fifteen feet tall.

It is festooned, multi-colored
Cheerful.  Two doors down
Candy canes in the yard, a large wreath overhead.

In our window tonight
Two hanukiyot, four candles.
We sang two songs,

Ate a bit of chocolate.
A modest holiday,
Maybe tomorrow 

We will go to one of 
The local outdoor big
To-do’s, maybe not. 

The mitzvah is light
The candles.  Publicize the 
Miracle of the oil,

I like the story the rabbis
Didn’t. Proclaim Jewish 
Sovereignty in the homeland

Along with miracle oil.  Enjoy
Cold weather delicacies,
And dreams of messianic

Peace and rapture. 
Meanwhile. A couple 
Of modest candles

Night after night,
Up to eight.  Year after
Year. We keep counting. 

First night of Hanukah, 25 Kislev 5785
December 25 2024