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A Different Mesiah
Who would have expected
the messiah to wear a Fedora
live in a house with plumbing, television?
A dwelling replicated from New York
to Chabad village in Israel, its owner
deceased but still inhabiting. His image
Trumpeted from peeling paper posters
gray beard, mustache and side locks flapping
winking at you from Kleyzmer wailing Fords
At Christmas (which coincides with Hanukah)
the classical station is playing Handel.
My nine year old grandson wants to know
Why is this music called Messiah so different
from Moshiach Moshiach he hears in the street
It’s time to give him some facts
He listens as I explain in simple terms
about Christianity then goes off to play in the park,
that evening he’s back with questions
If Jesus was a Jew, why do they eat pork?
While considering my reply he asks me to help
him assemble his model plane. I’m relieved
That I imagine I can handle…
© Johnmichael Simon
2008
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