Where Jewish Grandmothers Come From

How many Jewish grandmothers does it take to change a light bulb?

"Never mind, I'll just sit in the dark."

North Dallas. Third grade. 1967.

Christmastime. Third period before lunch.

I don't remember where I learned that

God would strike me down with lightening

If I said the "Jesus" word, even in a song.

 

So when the whole music class went caroling

In the halls the last week in December

I sat in the dark classroom, alone.

Crying.

 

Originally published in the "2013 Texas Poetry Calendar," Dos Gatos Press, Austin, Texas.

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