Home » Poems » Gershon Wolf » The Day Overwhelms Me

The Day Overwhelms Me

The day overwhelms me
  I stand naked before the Creator
My sins and stains exposed
  on this, the Day of Atonement

How can one atone for all the iniquities
  of the year that has passed
Words are mumbled; some sobs are heard
  Is all forgiven?  Am I cleansed now?

The day overwhelms me
  He sees who I am; He knows my heart
Is this real? This cruel game we play?
  And yet I fast; I go to synagogue

To stand with my fellow sinners
  In kinship, there is some small comfort




   Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement
    begins 20 minutes before sunset
      today, Sunday, September 27

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ilene Bauer

Date: 9/28/2020 11:55:00 AM

i hope you're having an easy fast, gershon...

Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/28/2020 7:39:00 PM

Fasts are getting hard on me, ilene. I keep saying that 'this' is my last one... but so far, still going. Here's to you and yours for a sweet year. Blessings, Gershon

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/28/2020 10:49:00 AM

I am sure that all is well in your case my friend.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/28/2020 7:40:00 PM

I don't know. I'd say it was a draw between 'The Day' and me. Another 15-rounder next year at this time. Stay tuned. Thanks, Caren.

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 9/28/2020 10:23:00 AM

Very moving gw. Uncertainty is always with us. Linda

Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/28/2020 7:41:00 PM

Yes. We are literally praying for our lives. Blessings for the year ahead, Gershon