From Yes To No To Freedom

By Lee Weisbord

The Jewish people were slaves in Egypt

for many, many bitter years

not allowed to worship

they cried rivers of salty tears.

The Lord chose Moses to deliver his command

to “LET MY PEOPLE GO!”

Pharaoh acquiesced to this demand

but quickly changed his answer from a “yes” to a “NO!”

Each time Pharaoh broke his agreement

Hashem unleashed a terrible plague

the tenth caused much bereavement

even Pharaoh himself became afraid.

When Pharaoh gave permission for the slaves to flee

they were filled with dread

they had no time to bake bread properly

they wound up with matzoh instead.

Guests arrived signaling our seder will soon begin

we do not serve or eat leavened food

we explain our rituals to our friends and kin

so that our customs will not be misconstrued.

To celebrate our freedom

we drink four cups of wine

our Seder requires that we be comfortable

ahhh! on fluffy pillows we do recline.

A shank bone, an egg, charoset, and maror

are displayed on our Seder plate

opening up our front door 

we hope that Elijah will not be late.

The author, Lee Weisbord, is an active member of a creative writing workshop sponsored by the Friedberg JCC of Oceanside.