Variations on a Theme by Wiesel

The day I received American citizenship . . . the Jew in me was overcome by a feeling of pride mixed with gratitude. Elie Wiesel

1

Wherever he roams, the clever Jew

in me carries a false identity.

2

Even here, even now, if suddenly

it must flee, the Jew in me,

will it stop at the door for a last look

at the sack of blood and bones

that hosted it for an American century?

3

Beyond the reach of luxury,

the depressed Jew in me.

But the good bread

of her body, shiksa at the party—

that’s what the rapacious Jew

in me would like to try.

4

Caution: the Jew

in me, national enemy,

is voting.

5

It’s all in the chemistry.

Swallow the Zohar pill

and you may find your inner Jew

wet with American gratitude.