Abide
after Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, Dukka
Love lives
in the crows
turning and tossing
crushed Cedar branches
shredded cones
severed by whirring blades
Love lives
in the carrying of the fallen
to the outstretched arms of Maple
in weaving memory
to cradle new life
Love lives
in the comfort
of snow
softening the steps
of the raccoon family
to the tree-top bed
revealing their story of
confusion and loss
Love lives
in the tiny bulbs
yellow yellow yellow
rising
amidst the rubble
Love lives
in the profusion of leaves
buoyant in full sun
in the bright sea of petals
undulating
in the warming wind
Love lives
in the astonishment
the discovery of hidden rubies
luscious and abundant
ripening a daily offering
and blessing
Sheryl Shapiro’s poetry appears online at Ritualwell (2021, 2022, 2023), Jewish
Writers’ Circle Anthology (forthcoming, 2026); Salish Magazine (2022), and Elul
Etudes (2024, 2025) Stafford Challenge Anthology (2025/6); in print in “Peregrine”
(2024), “Like a Tree by Water: Poems, Prayers and Rituals” (2023), “We’Moon Datebook” (2020, 2022), “Dirt? Scientists, Artists, and Poets Reflect on Soil and Our Environment” exhibit and catalogue, University of Puget Sound (2015), and “Poetry on the Buses” (2014).
She lives on Duwamish/Coast Salish land (aka Seattle, Wash.) and was
born and raised on Lenape land (aka Brooklyn, N.Y.).
105 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
(978) 443-9622|Email Us
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A great reminder in the midst of an age of disconnection. “Love lives” rolls off the tongue, and its power is reinforced with each stanza. This piece offers hope.
August 20, 2026 at 5:31 pm