Asara B'Teves-a Poem

Many, many years ago
Today
The siege began
Jews walking to and fro
Not allowed in or out
Slowly
Slowly
It took time
Food
Became less available
As it was consumed
Pain
Consumed our People
People began to die
Slow, painful death
Death of hunger
Death of thirst
So much pain
All over the streets
Of Jerusalem
Today was the day
It all began
Today was the beginning
Of this bitter plan
Hashem let out His anger
On a building of stone
And now we are left
Bereft
Empty
Alone
So much kedusha
Is gone
So much pain
In its place
We are so far way
Oh so far away
From our Source
From our Father
From where we should be
Today
Is a day
When we fast
Stay away from
Food
And drink
For what purpose?
To think
To think thoughts
Thoughts of teshuva
Thoughts of change
Thoughts of reflection
And introspection
And correction
So even those
Who are eating
And drinking
On this day
It's not about the food
From which we stay away
It's about what's going on
Inside of you
The soul
The soul of every single Jew
Today
Should be the source
The source of change
Inner change
Instead of
The change that began
On this very day
So many years ago
When the siege began
Jerusalem-surrounded
No one allowed
In
Or out
The source
The beginning
Of ultimate
Destruction
Let today be
The beginning
Of change
Of transformation
Of becoming
A better you
So together
Every Jew
Can merit
The rebuilding
Of that holy building
Bimheira Biyameinu
Amen.