MAY YOUR LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL
a prayer
Photo: Y. L. Cohen @liminal.graph
An afternoon, strolling on
Turn by the meadow
end at a pond
beside which sat a man
a smile, a greeting
a gesture with open hand
Reflect within and see appear
vision sharp as glass and clear
upon the water, form it true
the deepest wish found within you
Looked I upon the surface
sought farthest reaches of my soul
the gem stillness had not stirred
Yet pictures of ten thousand word
swirled and shaped, in part and whole
Gazed I thereon without surprise
as G-d be witness, testify
shown to me I always knew
My deepest wish is
not for me but you
May your life be beautiful
hard work to carve the measure
across your shoulders’ prow
honesty the salt of sweat
that beads upon your brow
dignity to ground your feet
stance steeled with integrity
boots scuffed with effort
dusted with content
trust to keep your stride correct
faith to raise and piece you back
when your spine is bruised and bent
kindness the callous of your hands
with strength to provide and to protect
and fierce anger to submit
May your life be beautiful
filled to overspilled with gratitude
a ledger of account only kept
of favors granted you by others
goodness the cobbles of the path
you traverse now, will travel yet
deeds a ripple, known but oft unseen
a moment for those lost in between
courage of values inherited, enduring
steadfast conviction to guide your journey
mistakes not verdict but a caution
of what care-less could make common
humble remain before them
whose shoes you’ll never walk in
May your life be beautiful
agleam, a-sparkle with stars delight
let not travails of this world
steal wonder from your sight
face turned up to catch sun’s rays
fullness of days, without waste
morn a thrill of what could be
Awake, aware to listen, learn
to actions, gestures, and their words
wisdom to perceive with clarity
no matter how rages the passing storm
joy from sadness, light from dark
the eye at peace within your heart
rains of cleansing rains noticed after
if ruts, drains, or broken dreams
never lose your laughter
Before it forms, next image fades
Blink back I from wish’s haze
the man gestures to the pond
with a smile and open palm
a wish so deep and closely held
with so intense a fire
too great is it to limit here
and show in its entire
Thanks returns me on my way
soul alight with truth’s refrain
the deepest wish I have and more
was never mine but yours
Would that this wish unfurl
Bright and seething with well-living
Would that this wish I hold for you
Never cease its giving
Would that this wish come to pass
So will your life be beautiful
Would that this wish all come true
So will you be beautiful too