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
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.
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