Now listen, you rebels, can we draw water for you from this rock?
Moses . . . not known for his witty banter
not one to give the troops a hard time
whose tongue is never inside his cheek
addresses the people as rebels
and that’s exactly what he means.
Fed up with our oldest tradition – complaining
Turns to the rock, or doesn’t even look at it
Hits it like a parent until the water flows.
Doesn’t even mention the Source.
This water that sates the kvetcher’s thirst
is the free-flowing tears of the Divine.
I’m not one to talk to rocks either
but when the Holy One says mention my name
before you turn on the faucet, that’s an
instruction I’d pay attention to.
Or, like Moses who still has years to go
in front of these rebels, you’ll only get to
the very edge of your promised land.
Your feet never on its soil
The very air you breathe still tainted
with the stench of slavery.
Know the rebels before whom you stand.
Know the source of your gifts.
Draw your water accordingly.