Creative Expression

For our all new edition of Eye of the Storm we have added a section for creative expression, where we are featuring the work of talented student writers, artists, photographers and more, Enjoy the following poems by Yonatan Naor (2020).

Where I am From

By Yonatan Naor

I am from the balls around the house

and the kindergarten art up on the walls.

I am from “How was your day?” and “What’s for homework?”

To “Trust me, I’ve been there” and “I know you can do it, just try.”

From the fighting with my brothers,

To the caring love they show.

I am from the challenges and limits,

To the barriers broken.

I am from the games with cousins,

And being in the hot tub Friday afternoon.

From “Next game!” at the backgammon table Friday nights,

To just relaxing outside on Shabbos day.

I am from Poppys to the candy store

to the long stretch of Votee Park,

Playing basketball with friends

And roller hockey with counselors.

I am from late night homework

to winning it all.

From basketball to the hockey team,

Improving all year long.

I am from smoked meat on Super Bowl Sunday,

to Western Burgers from Jeff’s Gourmet.

I am from tears on Rosh Hashanah,

To Birkat Kohanim with my family on every holiday.

From Seudat HaMafseket

To a beautiful Kol Nidrei.

But I never forget.

I am from the labor camps and Auschwitz,

To jumping in the river and waiting.

From spying on Jordanians,

To receiving medals from the army.

I am from my great grandparents who survived the reign of the Nazis

And retook the Kotel.

I am from a proud history

and one to be remembered.

I will never forget who I am

And where I am from.