When You Live Inside a Siddur

when you live inside a siddur
seasons have themes, like the score
of a film: in spring we are redeemed
in the fall we ask to be forgiven
for our communal sins

sometimes it’s easy to hum along
the tunes familiar after so many plays
spring redemption fall forgiveness
avinu malkeinu al chet al chet
is this chometz see you next year

but the songs are not a score
the themes are muscles over bone

we can forgive in spring
seek redemption in fall
it doesn’t have to be hard
this is why we sing at all

Image: “Pinehurst spring Trees” by Grand River Conservation Authority