Let me be not deceived,
let me remember this
moment holds sweetness
enfolded in its deep grievousness.

Let me be a vessel for
the healing this planet
so deeply needs.

Use me
as a source of soothing
for everyone suffering
under every destructive
regime’s undoing.

Use me
as a sukkat shalom,
as shelter from
the tumbling detritus
of crumbling empires,

as comfort
for those terrified
of this
natural catastrophe.

Let me awaken
the sleepers

and weave lullabies
for the sleepless.

Let me tend with
utmost tenderness.

Help me find the calm inside
so that I may grant it
expansiveness.

From within this cocoon,
use me to reveal
the mercy of retreat.

Use me as a tool
to teach
of Mother Gaia’s
tremendous gentleness,

of her unfathomably vast patience
with this human race—

what unimaginable grace
she shows us.

What merciful tolerance
she bestows upon us:

to serve us
three-day-pay-or-quit papers,
rather than a
well-deserved
immediate eviction notice.

Remind me that I was born
for this moment.

Let this be the turning point,
we so desperately need,

let me be
empathy,

let me mourn
each soul’s last gasp
of breath,

let me be compassion,
let me
radiate graciousness,

please,
hear this simple petition,
please
use me to priestess
the emerging world
Into existence.


haggadah Section: Urchatz
Source: Original