Tsuris

Without first-hand experience We cannot comprehend What others might be going through, Although we can pretend To understand the way they feel As if we do belong In circumstances similar; If so, we would be wrong. For everybody’s tsuris* Is peculiar and unique, Indescribable to others, Though comparisons we seek. We suffer in our different ways And find our means to cope, While some of us give up As others cling to shreds of hope. *Yiddish for trouble, woe or aggravation

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Robert Johnson

Date: 7/24/2023 1:57:00 PM

Tsuris or thesaurus, it's all Greek to me.

I Am Anaya

Date: 7/9/2023 3:47:00 PM

I learned chazari means agravation and disorder. I find docu's and immigrant true stories on NPR help me with empathy. I empathize with Israel and with innocent Palestinians caught up in the troubles. Hope is good, it helps accomplish goals with a positive outlook!

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 7/9/2023 2:13:00 PM

my ex would teach me a few yiddish words every now and then that he learned from his grandmother. I enjoyed your wise words and the rhyme scheme is perfect.

Jim Slaughter

Date: 7/9/2023 10:52:00 AM

I guess this is why "empathy" is so important...at least in my opinion. And thanks, Ilene, for adding another word to my vocabulary.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 7/9/2023 12:29:00 PM

you're welcome, Jim, and thanks for taking the time to comment...

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/8/2023 9:20:00 PM

Go to Israel as a tourist, if you don't want tsuris! ~ Ancient Chinese Proverb

Ilene Bauer
Date: 7/9/2023 12:28:00 PM

ha! that's very funny, Gershon!

Jan Allison

Date: 7/8/2023 5:10:00 PM

wise words indeed Ilene, the first stanza truly hits home hard:-) hugs Jan xx

Ilene Bauer
Date: 7/9/2023 12:26:00 PM

thanks, Jan! it's something i've been thinking about a lot. we can all empathize with others up to a point, but can never 100% understand how they feel...

Terrell Martin

Date: 7/8/2023 5:10:00 PM

Hello Ilene, it's been far too long since I last stopped by and feasted on your poetic expertise. I could not have picked a better poem than this one to read and ponder as it's filled with deep wisdom and a wonderful new word to add to my sorely lacking vocabulary repertoire. "Tsuris": THANK YOU for the multi-cultural, linguistic lesson of the day. Hats off, touche'! Cheerios, Terrell

Ilene Bauer
Date: 7/9/2023 12:22:00 PM

wow! what an uplifting comment, Terrell! thank you very much!