My Dearest Naomi

For days I have been walking sad

As your coming death

Was whispered in the Valley's air.

A big sadness has fallen on us

As the magic of your love has ended

Love that you had in abundance

And shared it with us

So generously.

In spite of a charming "Yekish" roughness

Love and warmth emanated softly from you

Blended with a youthful innocence.

You were small and gentle

And lately really fragile

But with a visible internal strength.

Yours was a deep-rooted, genuine,

direct and sincere approach –

expressing love, anger, pleasure, and pain,

clearly right front

With no misleading mediation.

Since our first meeting in Urfeld

I felt how, with your endless kindness

you embraced me to your heart

with simple, truthful irresistible love.

Even though your body has been getting weaker

Your love has stayed strong and stable.

The same glimmer sparkled from your eyes,

The same intense and pure spiritual strength

Were part of you all along.

Naomi,

I have to be frank and laconic

with you – as you were:

Naomi my dearest,

I love you.

Yair Palgi

28.7.05