The Torah In Haiku: D’varim

D'varim

Leafing through the past
With the lens of the present
Essential Torah

Va-et'chanan

Lifelong instructions
For My treasured peoplehood
Is a complex task

Eikev

As your Guardian
Of guaranteed safe passage,
You remained unworn

Shof'tim

How judge humankind?
Hold My teachings at your side
Double down justice

Ki Teitzei

Hyper-specific
Unsettling, human rights laws
Remember all this

Ki Tavo

Powerful curses,
Foreboding consequences
Let us say AMEN

Nitzavim/Vayeilech

The heart of Torah
Is not baffling nor distant,
Ever-present choice

Haazinu

Hear Moses' fervor
We were borne on Eagles' wings
Our enduring Rock.

Simchat Torah - Coda

Precious descendants, 
I ascend, my gaze meets yours,
At peace, a last breath.

Rosh Hashanah

This is my practice
Of fresh-sweetened intentions
These are my people

Yom Kippur

In 24 hours,
Indulgent contemplation
Center and reset

Yizkor

Starry beams of light
Buried amidst memories
My constellations