The birds are eating Goldfish snacks
scattered on the beach by our kids
and our kids’ kids.
We have gathered to cast off our sins
and celebrate the Jewish New Year.
Growing up in a secular home
where tradition was self-created.
I have little knowledge of this holiday.
The Jews of my past were survivors
of steaming NYC tenements and streets.
Survivors of struggle.
My Jews had little time to worry
about casting off anything.
Everything was precious,
even sins held tight.
And so as I watch my husband’s family atone,
throw bits of bread into the glittering Pacific Ocean,
pelicans diving, sea gulls wobbling,
retrieving each morsel tossed,
and wonder if these bright yellow, over-salted,
pumped full of chemicals Goldfish snacks
are killing the magnificent birds gathered around us
and who on earth to apologize to.