A Passover Special Feature

For Passover, I am pleased to offer a poem that I composed for my son to mark his high school graduation day.  His college graduation day is rapidly approaching now.  He is away at college and was logistically unable to join his family this year to mark what is arguably the most important Jewish holiday of the year.  My thoughts naturally turned to him as I munched on the crunchy bread of freedom last night, and I remembered this poem.  Interestingly, it has several references to Passover.  Although specifically addressed to my son, I believe the message has a universal quality that will resonate with many readers.  Chag sameach!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmabziV1LiY

May 19, 2013

High School Graduation Day

Dear Jason,

You are

The firstborn son

Of a firstborn son

Of a firstborn son

Of a firstborn son,

A Jew who carries

The name of Gordon,

A Scottish name.

Clan Gordon is known as

The Cock of the North

A fierce, proud people

Famous for starting fights

And finishing them. 

The reason you bear the name

Is shrouded in mystery 

But bear the name you shall. 

It is time for you to decide

What kind of Gordon you will become

A decision made more important

For you may be the last of your line.

What mark will you make upon the world? 

What will you create? 

What songs will you sing

With your strong man-voice? 

What books will you read?

What opportunities will you seize,

And what dreams will you make come true?

It all begins here and now. 

I have no answers for you anymore,

Only questions,

And there are oh so many questions,

So many paths from which to choose,

But know this:

Whatever paths you take

For good or ill

There will always be a path

That leads back to your true self.

It will not be the path that shines

Nor the one paved with gold

Nor will it be the path to sloth or sin

Or fear or anger or revenge. 

It may meander here and there

But for the most part it will be

Hard, straight, and narrow.

You will always be able to find it

If you lose it or stray. 

And also know this:

For as long as I live

There will be a path back to me. 

No matter what happens,

No matter even if estranged we become

I will always embrace you

Even as a prodigal son.

And know this too: 

There will always be a path

Back to God for you.

Should you ever forget who you are,

He will redeem you,

For you are the Lord’s possession

Passed over by the Angel of Death,

The firstborn son

Of a firstborn son

Of a firstborn son

Of a firstborn son.

Love,

Dad