For my aunt Pesye-Chana and my uncle Shaye-Yidl
The Rebbe Reb Dovidl dwelt in Talne,
Now he abides in Rachmistrivke.
Currently I reside in New York
Although I hail from Moskalivke.
It’s quite a distance from New York to
Talne
‘Twixt the Rebbe and me—a remoteness
more immense:
Whilst I revel in profane dancing and
singing
He rejoices in God with ritual chant
and dance.
And as the devout retinue at Talne
Bewails his leaving for Rachmistrivke
So too bemoan my departure for
New York
My desolate kin in Moskalivke.
And the pining of kinsfolk, the lament
of Hasidim,
The longing of Talne and Moskalivke,
Redeems my vain New York existence,
Exults Reb Dovidl in Rachmistrivke.
And though it were blasphemous to com-
pare
Our Fates’ diversely chartered courses,
The mere change of abodes has caused the
commingling
Of longing and hope at Life’s very sources.
And thus are in sweet sorrow joined
The heartbeats ‘tween New York and
Moskalivke
As the tender anguish of Talne is en-
twined with
The jubilant spirit of Rachmistrivke.
_____________