Sunday, March 28, 2021

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.