Gershon Wolf Poet Couplet

Notes About The Poem

I met Menachem Abie Levy at Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu in 1977, at which time everything written in this poem had already happened. Abie is unique: Daring, optimistic, a smile and hug for everyone -- and total dedication to family, kibbutz, army, country, and mankind. I am now reading a wonderful biography of his life. Can't put it down!

Scion of the Orchards and Fields, Part One

A man-child they call Abie
    Name's Menachem Levy                    (Levi in Hebrew rhymes with Abie)

  A scion of the orchards and fields
    played 'soldier' with sword and shield

  1964, age 19, left for dead three kilometers behind enemy lines
    clawed his way back to the border through thicket and landmine

  One leg paralyzed, arms nearly useless
    climbed from a pit using his teeth ~
  14 operations later, limbs ok, not toothless

  1973, single-handedly captured Egypt's Third Division in a bunker
    250 troops and their head, transported to jail in five transport clunkers

  Unassuming hero, hauling irrigation pipes in jeans and muddy shoes
    Menachem 'Abie' Levy, born and bred in Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu

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Linda Alice Fowler September 12, 2023 at 9:55 AM Fascinating and heroic tale gw. Nice to bring his accomplishments to life! :) Gershon Wolf September 12, 2023 at 8:10 PM Abie, certainly a hero for our day...

Kim Rodrigues September 10, 2023 at 6:37 PM Wow! Very interesting! Gershon Wolf September 10, 2023 at 7:39 PM I think so too. The story of Abie has transfixed me.

Jerry Brotherton September 10, 2023 at 6:15 PM A fantastic tale about one, of so many, unsung heroes. Thank you for introducing him to us. Gershon Wolf September 10, 2023 at 7:38 PM Yup. Unsung, except in Israel - where everyone over 55 knows Abie in every nook and cranny of the country. It's amazing.

Jim Slaughter September 10, 2023 at 9:52 AM I'm not familiar with him, G...but he certainly seems like quite a guy. Gershon Wolf September 10, 2023 at 7:36 PM You have got that right, Jim. Hope all is well, Gershon

Mike Gentile September 10, 2023 at 8:28 AM He sounds amazingly courageous GW! Certainly as I read, he is a genuine hero for you!! A terrific tribute! Happy Sunday ! Gershon Wolf September 10, 2023 at 7:34 PM Yes, Abie is one for the ages, and one of my (few) true heroes. Thank you, Mike. Hope all is well. ~ Gershon

Shirley Hawkins September 10, 2023 at 12:04 AM Scion indeed, his branches spread everywhere, and the roots become strong, What a brave, dedicated human being he is. Lookking forward to reading part two. I had to look up scion, it fits your poem perfectly, Gershon. Another new word you have taught me, Thank you Gershon Wolf September 10, 2023 at 7:31 PM Abie truly is a scion of the times! Thanks, Shirley. :)