1
This light’s for Hanukkah . . .
for a people who who choose to begin
our best of days with light.
What special Jewish day
doesn’t start with on open flame?
2
This light’s for the Dreidel . . .
for the great miracle that
happened there, unless
you happen to be there
where it’s changed to here
because we’re inclusive like that.
3
This light’s for latkes . . .
Potato pancakes
because everything good
begins and ends
with potatoes.
4
This light’s for Sufganiyot . . .
Jelly Donuts. Not quite as popular
as latkes in all the official surveys
but, really, who can complain
when a donut comes along?
5
This light’s for oil . . .
Be careful it’s flammable!
Bad for you in every way!
But fry anything in it and the
memory of that miracle
flies back into our hearts.
6
This light’s for Maccabees . . .
Judah and his whole crew.
When the not really elected leaders
started to poo-poo everything
they risked life and limb
for all these lights. Stand up
like a Judah, my friends.
7
This light’s for the shamash . . .
Doesn’t take a night off.
Does the essential work that
lets the other eight shine.
Be the shamash you wish
to see in the world.
8
This light’s for miracles . . .
It doesn’t matter if a great miracle
happened here or there
just that you believe that one
could happen at all.
How many miracles are you missing?
Got a light?