Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump…
and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys…
for it is a ram of consecration.
Grandpa religiously
sang in the black
walk to his shop
there to bless
and kill.
I wonder
what thoughts
as he bore witness
and saw dust drink
this sacramental pour.
Think—How would it be
to cleave meat-cold bone
till your customers come
and the register rings
their kosher fare?
How he loved to sing!
Time humbled—I wonder
my Grandpa, the butcher
who longed to be cantor…
Sh’ma Yisra’eil
Adonai Eloheinu
Adonai echad.
