Polia Shapiro

The Yiddish words from your mouth

The Yiddish words from your mouth
Flutter out like a dove,
Soulfully gentle
And full of charm.
Once upon a time, a purified tear
Rose up to the heavens above.
O dear friend of mine!

The Yiddish words from your mouth
Blossom on the shore
Of silvery pure waters,
Or sometimes grow
In songs and stories.
O dear friend of mine!

The Yiddish words from your mouth
Are not just words – 
They are anger, sorrow, and tears,
And the laughter
Of little children.
Through you,
A generation speaks from the grave
The words it did not get to speak.
O dear friend of mine.