Sweet Shanna


Yom Kippur is the day of atonement
We ask god for forgiveness for transgressions
Sins we have committed
And have yet to
A day of sacrifice
Where fasting reflects our loyalty
Most do this for a cause
A selfish reason to be forgiven
Last monday I found out
My friend has cancer
A cold grip seized my heart
I couldn’t get her off my mind
All day, all week
What if the same happened to me?
I would want my life to continue
Progress through the natural stream
Worry little and defeat the shallow-rapids
I cried at the thought of losing a friend
Minute danger, but the possibility

Therefore this Yom Kippur
The day of atonement
I ask god to take my fasting
and not use it as bartering
not use it as soul bribing
for me to be forgiven
But for this:
I ask god to take my fasting
and watch over my friend
not let her feel pain
for her to be healed
I will sacrifice
comfort for a day
forgiveness for a year
So that my friend
won’t have to


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