Passover 2021--a poem I wrote a while back that just resurfaced
Elijah’s Cup
A cup of waiting
wine celebrates surprises
Elijah might
disturb the still
air, slipping through
the slightly open door.
He might come, they say, as if
speaking of an old friend, long ago moved
to another town and come back, like an old
college roommate or lover.
Save a glass of wine for him. Save
a plate of dinner to microwave
for him. Save memories like pictures
in an old album to show him, laughing
at the hairstyles and funny clothes.
Did we really dress like that?
He is here
in our waiting eyes,
in our wishes for lost time, in dreams
of a future we magically,
despite missed appointments and scraped knees,
embrace with hope—in a present made
perfect with found pennies,
crocuses, friends.
Diane McManus
I wrote this poem in response to a seder I attended at my old friend Bonnie Baillis's house. The idea that a glass of wine was set out for someone expected who might come intrigued and delighted me. Each of us poured a little of our wine into the cup. We were instructed not to pour ALL our wine in because everyone should have a chance to give, and no one should be depleted. Finding the poem recently was a special treat, although I want to revise it more--and suggestions for revision are welcome.
posted by DPMcManus @ 3:25 PM
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