The BlueIris Semi-Nightly Poetry Break, 6/27/09

For the Angel of Death is forbidden to take a man while he is engaged in the study of Torah.
--from "Rabbi Loew and the Angel of Death" in Howard Schwartz's Lilith's Cave

"Rabbi Loew and the Angel of Death"

Leaving his studies,
sweet as honey,
thick as bread,
Reb Loew spies a figure
at the temple,
a long shadow
amid long shadows,
sharp knife readying
above the scroll of names.

Do not tremble
Reb Loew,
your hand will save the multitudes,
your will
will halt the plague.

Leaving his studies,
sweet as new cream,
thick as wine,
Reb Loew spies a figure
in his study,
a small light
amid small lights,
single white rose
in his childish palm.

Do not tremble,
Reb Loew,
your hand will save your grandson,
your will
will vault the heavens,

and all the angels but one
will dance the letters of your name.

~Jane Yolen