Lost and Found

In my path to self-awareness I have discovered that I gain clarity through writing, specifically poetry. Here is a look into my search for clarity on my experience at the Western Wall today with a slam poem called, Lost and Found.

                        Lost and found

Images of leaving and returning

of losing and finding

seeking and achieving

for years my ancestors were lost and found

left the land they had know returned to one they did not

lost the ones they had loved, the things that were theirs, but found somewhere else to place their passion

sought out this passion and today they have achieved.

            My ancestors had real passion – not a selfish desire to better themselves

Not a passion for physical needs.

But for a land they could call home.

A selfless goal that they risked and gave their lives for and one that they have achieved.

Today when my hand touched the cold brown stone of the Western Wall they have achieved.

Today when my friends, that I have known for only six days, and I could cry openly together over the unspoken historic and religious bond that us twelve strangers share, they have achieved.

Today when I set foot onto a ground I have seen many times before and was moved to tears by the feeling I got of a divine presence, in a land that my ancestors fought for –

their shed blood made this land holy

their pain and suffering made this land a home

their courage and selfless passion made this land a Jewish state.

My ancestors have achieved

Further exploring my Jewish identity

Standing at the Western Wall

preparing for Shabbat

lighting the Shabbat candles on the streets of Jerusalem

my ancestors have achieved.

Lost and found

Images of leaving and returning

of losing and finding

seeking and achieving

---Sarah Eylon