The Didact, wiser with the years

by Yael Unterman

Maideleh,

            Don’t justify your tracks as you drag

Have a cause to call your own, not your father’s

Tell your friends you love them,

as the glove fits the cold hand

Be still when you have patience

but burn when the time visits you

And let your forehead announce your

            trust and truth

                        as a pillar of fire.

Maideleh,

It’s not all given over to your comprehension

don’t expect the encompassing revelation to

                        come any time soon.

Good and bad are rusty nails

on either side of the splinter-board

As you pass and rip your dress

            So don’t cry - just enough to

water your eyelashes, moisten your lips

and whet your appetite for whatever comes.