I’m Thankful That We’re Both Alive at the Same Time…

Abraham Sutzkever 1913 (Belarus) – 2010 (Tel Aviv)



I’m thankful that we’re both alive at the same time,
for if the chasm of an instant were to separate us,
a moan would divide both joy and hope with a knife
and both hearts would not beat in my lines.

I’m thankful that we’re both alive on the same earth
and, like two stars in a well, we both merge a You-and-I.
It is a gift to see the other in oneself, our supplies
in a kind of forest where only melodies thrive.

I’m thankful that we’re both alive in the same life, for
a different life could certainly be the life of a worm.
And pray body to body, a prayer to one another,
while thunder rattles over us with its chains.

I’m thankful that we’re both alive with the same death, like neighbors,
a sign that he is here in this house: his light in the window.
I’m thankful that we’re both alive separate in one
and know well: of all neighbors, this one is most near.
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Submitted by acronimous on January 31, 2021

Modified on April 22, 2023

51 sec read
70

Quick analysis:

Scheme XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
Closest metre Iambic heptameter
Characters 868
Words 170
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4

Abraham Sutzkever

Abraham Sutzkever was an acclaimed Yiddish poet. The New York Times wrote that Sutzkever was "the greatest poet of the Holocaust." more…

All Abraham Sutzkever poems | Abraham Sutzkever Books

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    This is such a beautiful and heartfelt poem! I love the way the author celebrates the joy of being alive in the same time, place, and space with another person. The way they describe the bond that they share is truly awe-inspiring and romantic.

    One aspect that could be improved is the flow and rhythm of the poem. Although the sentiment is spot on, the phrasing and cadence could be honed to create an even more powerful emotional reaction from the reader.

    Overall, however, this poem is a testament to the beauty and provision of human connection. It reminds us how grateful we should be for those connections and to cherish them with all our heart. Keep up the lovely work, poet!
     
    LikeReply1 year ago

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"I’m Thankful That We’re Both Alive at the Same Time…" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/61297/i’m-thankful-that-we’re-both-alive-at-the-same-time…>.

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