From TODAY IS FOREVER

I stroll often in a nearby park —
old trees wildly overgrown,
bushes and flowers blooming all four seasons,
a creek babbling childishly over pebbles,
a small bridge with rough-hewn railings–
this is my little park.

It’s mild and gentle
in the breath-song of the park
and good to catch some gossip
from the flutterers and fliers.

Leaning on the railing of the bridge,
seeing myself in clear water,
I ask, Little stream,
will you tumble and flow here forever?

The creek babbles back, laughing,
Today is forever.
Forever is right now.

I smile, a sparkful of believing,
a sighful of not-believing:
Today is forever.
Forever is right now…

—Malka Heifetz Tussman
Translated from the Yiddish by Marcia Falk

 

thedaysbetween-200   This poem is found in poet and scholar Marcia Falk’s book, The Days Between: Blessings, Poems and Directions of the Heart for the Jewish High Holiday Season.

Read more wonderful poems and reflections on Tashlich from an interview with Dr. Falk.

“Today is forever: 

forever is right now.”

 

Featured image: Big Chico Creek at One Mile Bridge, JHD

Enjoy a video of a creek in Northern California, or return to the Gateway of Flowing Water.