Adam's Orchard

Ten trees in Israel,
an orchard thriving
in dark soil enriched by
blood and tears, the roots
entwining underground
with those of others planted
to remember, honor, grieve
the children of the Holocaust.
The ten are there for them,
of course, but even more,
for Adam. In Israel, his
trees do what he couldn't
do himself: sink roots deep
enough that heaven couldn't
pull him up so easily, to
grow from sapling to adult.
His trees beneath the
desert sun have had the time
he was denied, to grow up
strong and tall, a haven
for the birds and bugs,
providing shade for
someone who is weary,
there to rest. And maybe
tired strangers take the time
to read his name upon a little
plaque and pause to give
a blessing, thanking God
for someone who was loved
and is and is to come.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2015

The Jewish National Fund plants trees in Israel for soil conservation, but also as a way to honor loved ones. It's a fun way to celebrate births and marriages, a meaningful way to honor those who have passed away. See more at www.jnf.org.