Poignant, Thoughtful, and Meaningful Poems
Take a few minutes to read this month’s poems from our Tomato Poets. “Since October 7th” by Nicole Freezer Rubens, is a profoundly beautiful poem reflecting on shared resilience and solidarity. “Love of Life” by Carol Ostrow, recounts a personal experience of health scare and the subsequent realization of the value of life, urging appreciation for every moment. Finally, “Your Heart Shouldn’t Hurt Because Of Me” by Madlyn Epstein Steinhart, emphasizes gratitude and learning from mistakes.
SINCE OCTOBER 7TH
Like Wonder Women
we’ve pulled out
our protective amulets.
Paula went to a baking retreat
in Birmingham, Alabama.
Right before she left for the airport
she salvaged a midsize
silver Star of David
from a dusty pouch of her mother’s
discarded jewelry,
and strung it on a chain.
It hung proudly
in her pale V-neck.
Pam took out
the silver ring
inscribed with the Hebrew words for
this too shall pass.
It was her aunt’s ring
that is sent back and forth
between her and her mother
in alternating times of need,
like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
My niece Jackie
dredged up her Shema Yisrael ring
from our family trip to the Holy Land,
already 10 years ago.
The metal looks like stiff lace,
frozen in daily prayer.
I have not taken off my silver monogram ring
that once belonged
to my great grandmother Frieda,
a survivor.
She had it with her in hiding
throughout the Holocaust.
She knelt shaking in the shadows
of her depression,
while her 14-year-old daughter
hid separately.
The ring made it to New York
with mother and daughter
who bravely made passage on a ship
after the war.
Lady Liberty greeted them,
the sight of her patinaed torch,
another prize for enduring.
With this ring
I am slso wed to
a dog tag,
recognizing the hostages
in captivity in Gaza,
keeping them on my soul
as I go to D’Agostino
to buy 1% milk.
It says our hearts are in Gaza.
Bring them home now.
We will not stop
carrying you by wearing
these tiny metal shields
until this nightmare ends
and the remaining hostages,
as well as the remains of some hostages,
emerge from the dark airless tunnels
to see the orange torchlight
shining again.
~Nicole Freezer Rubens, author “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”
LOVE OF LIFE
Suddenly, I couldn’t take in a deep breath,
Sharp chest pain, thoughts of impending death,
Sounds very dramatic, you can certainly hear,
Thoughts in my head of uncertainty and fear,
Attempting to dress quickly, looking for help to find,
A cab driver to be quick, understanding and kind,
Trying to stay calm with a one track mind,
Excruciating pain almost rendering me blind,
Begging the driver, please, rush to the ER door,
Held his foot on the gas pedal right to the floor,
Arrived at the hospital, checking in with speed,
Hearing noises, crying, people of every color and creed,
Oh my God, what is happening to me?
There were young doctors, nurses and many an aid,
Who looked after my symptoms with attention paid,
To the fears and angst I felt and displayed,
And with each needle puncture and scan I prayed,
Finally, with nothing definitive, I was let go,
With Instructions to see more doctors so,
That I can finally have some answers and know,
Exactly what all these tests will clearly show,
I can tell you this, an unexpected result you see,
Love of life is now more important to me!
Sometimes pain, you may find,
Will clear out a jumbled, forgetful mind,
Life is precious, appreciate every minute,
And remember please, it is not infinite!!!
~Carol Ostrow, author “Poems from My Pandemic Pen”
Your Heart Shouldn’t Hurt Because Of Me
Thanks for caring
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for listening
Mistakes are lessons to be learned
Some take longer than others
Some linger past the point of no return
Time and relationships are precious
Some are short-lived, others last a lifetime
Your heart shouldn’t hurt because of me
Heartache and Heartbreak hold different places in our lives
Save your heart
Clear your mind
Been there and done that
Your heart shouldn’t hurt because of me
~Madlyn Epstein Steinhart, author “Put Your Boots on and Dance in the Rain,” and “Beautiful Heart”
Poetry is back in vogue and through The Three Tomatoes Book Publishing we have the honor of publishing books by four poets—Madlyn Epstein Steinhart, Stephanie Sloane, Nicole Freezer Rubens, and Carol Ostrow. Check out their poetry submissions each month.
