Lech Lecha Without Goodbye

Parashat Lech Lecha
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Lech Lecha Without Goodbye

Abba, to an unknown world you took a stroll,

you went to yourself – to the essence of your soul.

To your eternal resting place where you dwell,

leaving me alone without kissing me farewell.

Abba, how I long to know how well you fared.

Thinking about the sweet memories we shared.

Even when you left some of your mind behind,

your spirit taught me how to let go and unwind.

From childhood, you were my pillar of strength.

You taught me how the world works at length.

I relied on you. There was nothing you did not know.

How could I accept that one day you would have to go?

Abba, to an unknown world you took a stroll,

you went to yourself – to the essence of your soul.

To your eternal resting place where you dwell,

leaving me alone without kissing me farewell.

The deepest pain in my heart, I confided.

You put your arm around me when I cried.

You were always there for me right by my side.

But who could ever comfort me when you died?

I cried when they brought you to a home.

You continued to sing ‘hevenu shalom.’

You were so present, love shone from your eyes.

I did not realize how swiftly time flies.

We would dance, laugh, sing and play.

You escaped the home but didn’t stray.

You walked the path. You knew the way

to your real home without delay.

Abba, to an unknown world you took a stroll,

you went to yourself – to the essence of your soul.

To your eternal resting place where you dwell,

leaving me alone without kissing me farewell.

They ensured that these escapades would stop.

No more going out, even with mother to shop.

You were like a lion that couldn’t be caged.

Not allowed to come and go made you enraged.

They were breaking your Jewish pride

Your anger would no longer subside.

They kept placing inside of your mug,

one calming, sedating drug after drug.

No one told me, I was kept in the dark.

I was helpless far away from Denmark.

In vain wanting to kidnap and bring you here,

to your great grandchildren that you hold dear.

When they told me that you were deep in sleep.

I could not find rest my grief was too deep.

I wanted to sing for you, pray and hold your hand.

But there were no flight that day from Israel’s land.

They didn’t even give a drop to keep you alive,

Until the daughters from Israel would arrive.

More morphine to take away the pain,

so you would never open your eyes again.

When I finally arrived, it was all over.

All I could do was your face to cover.

How I wanted to be with you when you left your body below,

to accompany you on the last journey that you would go.

Abba, to an unknown world you took a stroll,

you went to yourself – to the essence of your soul.

To your eternal resting place where you dwell,

leaving me alone without kissing me farewell.