Notes About The Poem

The beginning of Wisdom is the Fear of Heaven  ~ Talmud

The First Step Is Fear

If I weren't afraid I'd never have made
   The decision that changed my life's direction
An absolute gut-check, no options carefully weighed
   My path took an abrupt mid-course correction

Raised with a bare modicum of religious instruction
   I knew I was born Jewish, but that's about all
Didn't see anything in it but weeping and destruction
   'Til the day my ignorance made me feel small

Confronted by an aggressive evangelist, I had no reply
   Couldn't defend my forefathers' faith with a single 'why'
Thought I, a 3,000-year-tradition must have a lot to say
   I resolved to go to Israel the very next day

While I had always resented being labeled 'a Jew'
   What if the little I knew was actually true?
That there's a God in Heaven Who loves you
   But Who you're personally accountable to

Looking back, it was my fear that saved me
   From turning my back on my people and nation
For that I can surely thank my lucky stars
   That fear's the first step toward faith and salvation



             September 09, 2019
       If I Weren't Afraid Poetry Contest
             Sponsor: Line Gauthier
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019


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Date: 9/10/2019 8:32:00 AM
I really enjoyed this one Gershon. Best wishes for a win in the contest.
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Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/10/2019 9:45:00 AM
Thanks much, Jeanne. Appreciated. Best wishes, Gershon
Date: 9/10/2019 6:27:00 AM
Wonderfully said! God bless you, Gershon!
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Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/10/2019 9:44:00 AM
Appreciated, Kim. ~ gw
Date: 9/10/2019 4:03:00 AM
Like a testimony... of a nation...I like it
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Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/10/2019 9:44:00 AM
Thank you much, Arturo. ~ gw
Date: 9/10/2019 3:10:00 AM
The optimism and positivity in this poem are exceedingly wonderful, GW.
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Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/10/2019 9:44:00 AM
So happy to hear that you see this write as positive, Caren. Thanks for letting me know. Best wishes, Gershon
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