Mommy

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.