EVERYWHERE

In September my mother's death
Seems everywhere, peering from boxes
Hanging in closets, marking the place
Where I stopped reading a book.
How irksome to find her death
Sitting at the breakfast table
Listening to music on the radio!
How delightful to remember her!

DOGS AND CATS

Dogs and cats used to visit the Lvoviner
Mostly towards dusk. The dogs would loiter
In the courtyard, pretending surprise
That accident had brought them there.
A gesture from the rav, one eyebrow raised
Or lowered, even a shrewd glance
Would satisfy them. Cats, though,
Convinced they were kin, would just turn up
In drawers and closets, under blankets,
Staying as long as they wished. Cold nights
Found them on the Lvoviner's chest, claiming
They were there to keep him warm.