Treif Grief: Poetry Manuscript

Abstract

The pessimistic poems discussed here represent just one perspective through which I view the complexities of spirituality. In Martin Buber’s Tales of the Hasidim, the author cites the 18th century rabbi, Simcha Bunem who kept two pieces of paper in his pocket at all times, both words of Torah. One read, “for my sake, the world was created,” while the other read, “I am but dust and ashes” (Sefaria). It is in the scission between these two irreconcilable beliefs that a space opens up for human agency, or a life of the spirit. My collection seeks to explore this indeterminacy and Simcha Bunem’s philosophy is referenced explicitly in the conclusion of “Mourning the Baptism,” which I placed towards the center of the collection and which embodies the heart of my project. “Loss is leaving undone \ by pain we keep them both alive: \ a world made entirely for me \ the ashes of which I am made.”