“Whenever a love is contingent upon a specific factor, when that factor vanishes, the love ceases. If, however, the love is not contingent upon a specific factor, it will never cease.”
~ Pirkei Avot 5:16

the remains of torn wrappings

crinkle and rustle underfoot

their once-vibrant ruddy trappings

now a dull hue of soot

like a myopic vandal

through dusty remnants I wade

lured by an incandescent candle

and starry serenade

my eyes came to adore

that which decays over time

enraptured by external galore

and picturesque pantomime

all this has taken its toll –

between us now a wall and rift

for instead of seeking the soul

I had worshipped the

wrappings

of the gift