1. You have always been there,
      Like a great-aunt
      only seen on holidays -
      the kind you never miss
      but always find yourself unexpectedly hugging
      hard,

      the kind of kin who can be relied on
      for a quiet walk,
      to throw a ball,
      who will want to know,
      really,
      how you are,

      the one who you want to call
      on birthdays,
      and always forget -

  2. The woman I love
      has invited you
      into our home!
      She wants you here
      all the time; she wants you
      to live with us -

      I was not prepared for this,
      not from a woman who was once Muslim,
      who skitters from the daily-ness
      of most friendships,
      most religions,
      and yes - who has always been fond of you,
      read your books,
      wanted to know you better, and lately,
      has spent more time with you on holidays than I have.    

      When she fasted
      on Yom Kippur, shushed me
      during endless all-day services,
      I was foolishly pleased,
      thought that
      eventually,
      and this is the key word,
       - eventually, -
      how nice,
      we would all grow closer.

  3. I am jealous,
      afraid,
      excited,
      by the space you are taking up
      in my home. 
      Your writings are scattered everywhere;
      the bed, the kitchen table, even the
      bathroom
      remind me that you are being
      embraced
      by the woman I love.

      Invited to join this lovefest,
      I cannot, will not do so,
      not yet, not now,
      maybe if I watch you
      from a distance.

Leonore Gordon is a poet; an individual and family therapist in private practice; and teaches poetry in the the New York City public schools for Teachers & Writers Collaborative. She is also the parent, along with Amina (the star of my poem), of a feisty bi-racial eight-year old named Josh, who is being raised Jewish in a multiracial progressive synagogue where he and Amina can feel comfortable. Leonore is a member of Kolot Chayeinu (Voices of Our Lives) in Brooklyn, NY.