Eight Angels Came to Me On Eight Nights
Each one told a story******
On the sixth night
a tarnished angel appeared
I used to see him selling pencils outside the ball park.
We fired up the lights, stood staring into the fire.
What’s the miracle? [Rashi on BT, Shabbat 21b]
he asked us.
Light victory power revenge clarity purity
dedication —
we hadn’t answered him.
Afterwards, he asked for a ride to the Metro
and maybe a couple of bucks to get downtown.
I threw a load of money at him
he threw it back.
You’re messing with my serenity, he said.
So what’s the miracle? I asked him back.
Grateful, said the angel
— the miracle is gratitude
find that and you won’t need anything.
You’ll breathe into the souls of your feet
and live as long as you want to.