The Slaughter of Innocents

In honor of the Chabad-Lubavitch Shluchim, Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg

The slaughter of innocents
appears to shatter this broken world.
The narrow bridge cracks.

Through the smallest slat, a thin flame
dances like a candle's ghost.

I see her small hands circle the flame three times.

I see her husband's shoulder near, and children gather
as if to warm themselves in this inextinguishable light.

Heart, believe it. Lean close
for a thousand thousand years.

One act of kindness lasts forever—
and these hands lit the way.