Illustration Submitted by Mussie Rubin.
Hidden
Two shining flames
Tucked away, hidden
Among the musty walls
I remain
Immovable
I stand
As the flames
Flicker and dance
I cradle my child
Whispering
Gently in her ear
My dear child
When you grow up
Do not forget
To light these very candlesticks
Remember the Shabbos
My little one
You are a
Jew
14 years go by…..
A box
Brown tied with twine
Inside lies a secret
That can only be mine
I open it with trepidation
Inside among a tattered fabric
To my elation
Two tarnished candlesticks
Memories awash in my mind
Flames flickering
Somewhere dark and damp
Mama hugging me
Whispering
Do not forget…
Do not forget…
And then
Blank
Perplexed
I steadily make my way
Out the airless attic
I grab a cloth
Eager
Shining the candlesticks
Hoping to reveal
More memories
10 years go by…..
The sun is setting
In the ruby coloured sky
I strike the match
Once, twice
A spark bursts forth
I circle my hands not once but thrice
Covering my eyes
Whispering a tefilla to ‘ה
The flames flicker and dance
As I stand
Immovable
Arms around
My children
I smile
Thinking of my family
Mama would be proud
Poem Submitted By: Rivkale Pink
Age: 13.5
Solihull, West Midlands England
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