remember how it feels

when light recoils before your grasp

they say it will return

but you can’t help trembling

and when autumn wind and rain

are not the blessings you prayed for

they assure you

everything in its season

you are only a sukkah

a booth standing fragile at twilight

but if you welcome them

guests ancient and living

if you dance with myrtle and willow

caress the sweet etrog in your hands

your leafy walls will breathe

again with singing

you will remember Adam’s fear at dusk

and those forty wilderness years

and you will reach up again

a child of starlight once more