A few hundred ragtag, rabbinic Maccabees
faced the might of Antiochus’ army
60,000 fighting men strong
The Chanukah story we all know
The rabbis delivered Greece a knockout blow
Rededicated the Temple, and with a small cruise of oil
lit the lamps of the Menorah, eight nights in all
Yet in our prayers, not a single word about
the military prowess of the ‘Mighty Maccabees’
We thank God, and God alone, for routing Greece
Mattathias, the leader, and his sons,
five indomitable priests
we praise instead
~ but only for their spiritual feats
___________________________________________
The Talmud asks: 'What is Chanukah?' The above is
(a much-condensed version of) the answer it gives.
(Tractate 'Shabbos,' 21a - 23b)... Also found in the
'Abridged Book of Jewish Law, Laws of Chanukah,
Solomon Gantzfried, (English version)
Written By: D. Collins 3/15/24
It hits close to home when it comes to truth.
About the stuff that went down in World War II.
While Russia was delivering the knockout blow.
We were Shanghaiing scientist on the low.
That pissed the Russians off like never before.
Thus, the beginning of the existing Cold War.
Those same Nazi scientists we had scurried away.
Started what is the NASA that we know today.
Instead of sharing the wealth for everyone's gain.
We chose to deceive to stay ahead of the game.
We created animosity and a serious lack of trust.
Now, improved Nazi rockets are pointed right at us.
It pays to be prepared for possibilities
None of us know what the future brings
Some of us may face unwanted setbacks
Before the proverbial "fat lady sings."
Things we never could've imagined
Unforeseen illness, a sudden accident
Things happen that we least expect,
Things happen that seem never meant.
Preparation for the unexpected can soften
The hurtful impact of a knockout blow
And, if we have made contingency plans
We have a pre-planned direction to go.
Written October 13, 2021
"It’s so exhausting these challenges,
Even for someone like you so talented
You can dodge them as you make your way,
Or hide them from display
But they will bleed you dry,
If you let them try
Best to look at each one on in a separate light,
And pick the toughest one for a fight
Deliver it a knockout blow,
For you are it’s formidable foe
A woman with drive and persistence,
Profound knowledge and resilience
Always thinking of another way,
For you will never walk away
From what you believe to be true,
And to receive what you are due
The world may close some doors on you,
But God will open a window to let you through
To continue on your journey,
For it is in his mercy
That we believe in the possible,
No matter the size of the obstacle
So have faith in yourself,
And others here to help
That success is not far away,
For you are God’s protege
To overcome any force,
That threatens your course.
November, 8th is a witness of a mystery
A common man emerged from nowhere
Into the boxing ring he dashed
Without gloves, without experience
The world laughed, booed and cooed
But the miracle Trump clenched his fist
Forward he poked his head for a fight
The fight began and the world mocked
Veteran fighters, comrades watched in disbelief
Enemies carried banners for censorship
Members of his club described him a joker
But the miracle Trump pushed on smiling
The first round he delivered a knockout blow
As the opponent prepared sausages for victory feast
The joker became a hero, a name in every household
And left the world rolling heads in joyful confusion
Like a knockout blow
In the final round
The challenges comes
All at once
How you cope will depend on how you see them
It's not always black and white
Pastel shades
Are all abound
You can get through this
Even if you have to tick
Them off one by one
Not everything
Needs to be resolved today
Deal with what you can
Lighter they will become
They say "Rome wasn't build in a day"
Neither was your character
It might look flawed to you
But in you might be
That single trait your foe wish they had
Test your resilience
And surprise yourself
You might see what I see
One day, hopefully some day
©220920151226
I listened to old messages on my phone
of people calling while I was listening or was not home
One call was from my mom saying 'where you at thought you were coming down
where did u go.She sounded so happy and wondered why I did not show.I had no
good reason I just did not want to go.I feel so bad fore in the next messages the pain
started to show. I would go see her she would not smile or cry, come to find out later
her extreme pain was the reason why.i took her to the doctor to disclose how she felt
not expecting the knockout blow we would be dealt.Sent to a hospice that very day
within a week my mother would pass away. I guess what I am trying to say is I really
wish I would have went that day.
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