45 Pure Souls - A Poem In Tribute to the Meron Tragedy Victims

I don't even think this poem needs an introduction. The title, the emotions and the memories it brings back could silently say more words than possibly the most skilled lyricists, essayists and journalists could write. But I feel as though I should give over my thoughts, despite the fact that I am sure, it is the same as everyone else's.

When the news broke early on Lag Beomer morning last year, nobody wanted to believe it. A tragedy, so unbearable to think about, that had taken the lives of forty-five kedoshim at one of the holiest places in the world on one of happiest days of the Jewish calendar. How could it be?

Forty-five souls were taken. Families left bereft and broken. A nation of millions shattered. The windows looking out to beautiful landscapes closed the curtains and left the world in an ever-increasing darkness.

The following poem was written about a week after the news broke and it is honestly one of the hardest poems I have written. I hope that when reading it, the emotions I tried so desperately and honestly to convey, is brought out.

Many any inspiration taken out of this poem serve only as a zechus and aliyah for the pure and holy neshamos that were taken form our midst.

May their everlasting memories be a blessing to all,

Yitzy Schweitzer

45 Pure Souls - A Poem In Tribute to the Meron Tragedy Victims

It all happened so quick,
In an instant, a flash, a blink,
Before the world had time to turn,
Before we all began to think.
 
45 souls returned,
From here down low to the throne on high,
45 special souls ascended,
From the ground to the sky.
 
A world in full swing,
Stood like ice, still,
From one joyous moment, we were thrown into,
A moment of non-thrill.
 
As we cried and shed our tears,
Those souls were given a place,
Of harmony, peace and comfort,
With love, dignity and grace.
 
And I could only imagine,
That as those souls came through the heavenly gate,
G-d was waiting, his arms stretched wide,
To wrap them in his embrace.
 
“Welcome home, my child,
Welcome home, special one,
I have taken you here, back to me,
Beyond the moon and sun.

Yet, come closer to me,
For although you are close,
You aren’t close enough.
Come forward, dear child, come,
To my gentle, warm embrace of love.”
 
As G-d looked down on us
His nation, he saw our tears,
He cried with us, out of eternal love,
And he wiped away our fears.
 
But G-d knows that the tears inside,
Will continue to gently weep and cry,
He knows and he will be there to guide us through,
Our next night.
 
He whispers to us, his nation,
And to us, as individuals to,
“Don’t worry special one, it’s not long now,
And until then, I shall guide you.

Because dear child,
I Love You!”