A Tribute To Tzofim-Israeli Scouts

Less than twelve hours,
that's how long I have known you all.
Yet you impacted me in ways,
I had not expected.

I watched as you painted and laughed,
We chatted while munching on pizza.
We conversed deeply before you were dropped off,
I joined you in song and dance.

You guys brought a new life,
to the meaning of Israeli Culture for me.
You reminded me of the beauty in the land,
Erasing much of the evil within.

You glowed in pride for our land,
Your energy brightened my week.
Thank you for a last-minute stop,
A stop that helped a random Jew be happy.

Just Breathe

I empty my chest; I have had all that I can take,

I whisper my goodbye with the last in my lungs.

I stand so still; not even a flinch,

I force myself to remain calm.

All I need is to just stay still; to keep my mouth shut tight,

All I need is for it to be over already.

All I need is to slip away; force my body to sleep,

All I need is to let my soul be released.

There is nothing left; I convince myself,

There is no way to change now.

There is nobody to cry for; I am so alone,

There is no reason to stay.

My chest starts burning; eyes water too,

My lungs are screaming in despair.

My heart tries to pump; its oxygen is low,

My brain begins to shut down.

Suddenly I feel the sunrise; hear the birds on my window,

Suddenly I hear the phone; people at the door.

Suddenly I smell the fresh air; find a dollar on the ground,

Suddenly I realize I have much to be thankful for.

I take a deep breath; my brain rushes to life,

I take a look at this new world I’ve found.

I take a glimpse at my mom; her arms outstretched to me,

I take a step with the new me.

Life is what I make it to be; I must see the good,

Life is what I do with the cards that I’ve been dealt.

Life is what I hold dear; what I used to take for granted,

Life is what I accomplish with one breath at a time.