The Edge of Everything

We gathered,all of us,having walked this long roadBefore.

There is so much I don'tremember of it:Coldand dustand heat-cracked pavement

And noise!God, the noise--It could tear you apartand get inside your headand all you wantis just a little piece ofQuiet,A chance toBreathewithout feeling likeEverything--your hopeyour fearyour loveanddoubt--All of it,All of youwas caughtsomewhere in your chest,or maybe your throat,And all you want is just one smallBreathto be easyand quiet.

So we gatheredthere,Here

at the edge,

the very edge ofEverything;Stopped in our noiseand our doubtand fear.Stoppedat the edgeof loveand hunger:At the edge of want,to catch the lightof a thousand sunsand ten thousand moonsand absolute

Stillness.

Glinting of silverand an infinity ofBlue,Subtle variationsof colorand depth,Caughtin the reflection ofSky.Caught,all along the edges,with light.

We gathered here,Together,at the edge,bathed insilenceand bending light,weary andready,to leap.To dive into that poolfilled to overflowingwith loveand doubtand hungerand hope,that waiting pool ofSelf,there at the very edge ofEverything,

And filled now with sudden, shiveryStillness,and stars that reelin mirrored waters.

And so I leap

With the light ofHeaven,Of earth and sky,Reflectingall my doubtmy loveand longing.

And I rememberA road of dust andHeat-cracked pavementAnd I gather in the noiseAnd lightAnd breath-stopping fear,Gather them in, toRelease themIn a singleGraceful sweep:There is beauty in my pain.There is more inLetting go.

And so I breathe:I am returnedTo the edge of myBeginning.

(Stacey Robinson)

Wishing you a successful healthy and happy 5776. Shana Tova. Rabbi Julia Margolis