Prepared for Pilgrimage

Recalling my pilgrimage to Israel

in 2006...

Photo credit: dreamstime.com

THE VERY SOUND OF HEBREW

Israel Pilgrimage—2006

Israir Terminal JFK, October 2006

I wait to board—

full of anticipation

carry-on at my knee

guide-book in hand

heart already

in the land to which

we’re bound

pilgrim feet, still

hours away from stepping, at last

into the Land of the Book

Announcements emanate

from the sound system

in Hebrew

probably

arrivals, departures

boarding information

do not leave bags

unattended

perhaps

Aaron David Horowitz

there is a call for you

at the ticket counter

or maybe

Flight #743

is delayed

due to inclement weather

I do not know

the language                                  

All my pilgrim ears hear

is something ancient

and deep

baruchas—

the holy sound

of prayer

Maude Carolan Pych