This year - the pandemic
no Rosh HaShanah gathering
making the memory of a year ago
all the more precious

Back then I felt such quiet joy
preparing to chant Torah
to lead the Hebrew prayers
one more time

To speak of Sarah, Avraham
Hagar and Ishmael
and the angel sent
announcing God's remembrance

Which is also our remembrance
when we think what's most needful
for our souls, for life
for fellow creatures everywhere

It was during the noon hour
I'd been left alone
in the little room that served
as sinagogue

There was a knock on the door
a man in green hospital garb
stood asking could he
join with me in prayer

His presence filled
the little room with light
a warmth it had lacked
before he entered

It was as if an angel
had appeared to bless us
and our little temple
with his light, his radiance

This year in Crescent City
the Torah will remain
locked inside its ark
and the faithful

Will observe the holiday
on Zoom and I too will sit
and follow on a screen
at a safe distance

But I will be remembering
the angel who stopped by
to bless us last year
in Crescent City