March 26, 2023

How I Left Germany

I left by curse and stone
and rail.
I left by apron, and by bruised grass stems.
I left by clay magenta tennis courts
framed by willow branches.

I left by angels stamped as
Christmas cookies,
by voices unison in
furrowed organ lofts greeting,
greeting Sabbath at the door.

I left as Judah, Daniel,
Moses: cursing Edom