We Made A Deal, God and I

an older piece, in this moment personally timely.

We made a deal, 
The docs and I, 
Three hours max 
Then get her back.

I knew they didn't mean it, 
Three could be four, 
But back was important
She shouldn't stay long.

I wore a kittel,
As custom decrees
Not thinking that soon
It might be on her. 

We rushed out from there, 
From her regular hospital room
With disclaimers and papers
All signed, sealed, and placed.  

Three hours they said
It shouldn't be four
Cut the Seder short
Return her to the floor.

I lead the Seder. 
She sang along.
The meds made her tired.
The meal was not long.

I got her back
And slept that night
On a cot. She snored
Like the baby she was.

Tuckered out from the show
And singing the questions
And seeing her brother
And drinking some wine.

I got her back in the right time
I took her back for nurse's inspection
I tucked her in and gave her a treat
And sat by her side watching her sleep.

The next Seder was empty, 
Hallow and flat, 
The same big group together
Less one, and her song.  

(A kittel is customarily worn by men at their weddings and in the conduct of certain Jewish ceremonies; it is also a burial shroud, and is worn on those other occasions as a sign of humility.)

As I prepare for Pesach, this poem, from years ago, about events from even more years ago, came to mind. I have shared it before, but it is right, and ripe, for me in this moment….