Second chances

Shaking  hands  with  a man

i had an argument withlast year

and then his wife  as well.

How often does that happen?

Getting a second chance

to say "I am sorry if i had hurt you"?

Making some clumsy conversation

with some good folks from the congregation 

trying to stay focused , pay more attention

 to positive words:

hearing the melody of

"To those who believe".

The men on the podium

reliving a temple

a choir of angels

on earth.

I observe,  i watch

i take in

while meanwhile

to my right  in the aisle

children run in and out.

The  high holidays fashion show

walks by

some lady in black and gold,

another in matching red and white

suits with a small baby boy,

still that hat with the cherries

oy, oy.

some dress simple

some dress for a show

but as i watch them come

and go

i know i find my peace

just staying in my seat

and following along

the words that promise

great hope

to those who believe

you get a second chance

if you do live the right way

treasuring my time,

this day

when i can take the time

to read the words

and follow the men

as the pray

looking from the corner

of my eye

as the creator

must watch this corner

of the world

then my eyes return

to the words

the food of the soul

i feed with prayer

and song

knowing i do not need

to prove i belong

accepting, submitting

to a higher force.

I think about the torture

of those who cause pain

and suffering to others

and find no need to open

and close

any more doors.

I sit next to the exit

that is also the entrance

and watch as people

come and go

like angels on the ladder

of  Jacob

and i know

it is not my  decision

to forgive or to seek

a resolution to sorrow

i am only sitting by the door

it is not my choice 

who comes and go.

I am not a judge

or a prosecutor

i am a mere observer.