A poem by my father, Zeev Kachel
Translated from Hebrew by Uvi
You gave me life through pain and suffering
And in your bosom, I suckled my first milk
You taught me, in the world’s arena, how to go on walking
And amongst the beasts, how not to blink.
You prayed in private for my health, wellbeing
To a hidden God sitting in judgment over fates
You sacrificed yourself and right from the beginning
Shielded me under your wings from any danger that awaits.
Still clinging to you despite being cut away, I wailed.
Wherever I went, I sensed your omnipresence.
I always felt, in the sea into which I sailed,
The warmth of motherhood, the chill of your absence.
For you, only you I cried as life turned bitter, Mommy.
On the snaking road, my heart aflame amidst the hurdles
I was lured down by desires — till your image stood before me
Blocking off my path with a pair of the Sabbath candles.
