A FEELING OF JOY

by
Rufina Bernardetti Silva Mausenbaum

A feeling of joy descends
slowly
Finding its resting place
within me
The images of the past now
an inspiration
Listening to the memories
fills me with tenderness
I have survived, I am here, I am alive
I am Israel
Connected always to my past
with love and saudade
For those who went before, so
I open my heart like a shrine
Unblemished by bitterness
or hate
Filled with love for them
Centuries of tender care
could not deny
Born into a perfect harmony
As humane and mature
With the wholeness
of spirit that is victorious
We once more can share
The essence and purity
of life as
Jews from Sepharad.

E-mail: Rufina Bernardetti Silva Mausenbaum