BY JULIE BRANDON

As Shabbat approaches, we rise to greet her

Or him or perhaps them

Or maybe none of these

I rise to welcome peace, rest

Craving these yet knowing they’ve become elusive

I’ve changed

I’m not the same

Even though Shabbat comes as promised

My heart struggles to be still 

I open up to allow peace in to flood my senses

Yet I cannot

My heart is not my own

It resides far away where the sun rises

My world view is altered

I’ve changed and will never be the same