In the Groove

In the Groove
by Rabbi David Zaslow

To be in the groove
means that the needle
rests in total stillness
while the record around it spins.
The turntable turns,
the record revolves,
but the point of contact
requires total stillness.

To be in the groove
requires a complete balance
between stillness and movement,
between diamond and vinyl.
For the needle to do its work
of reading the engraved cuts
within the grooves, it must be still.
Just like us – to hear
what the Holy One has engraved
in the groove of nature,
in the groove of our lives,
we can’t be turning.
We can’t be moving
to get out of the way,
or to get somewhere else.
We have to remain in place.
Totally in place.
Perfectly in place.

It is difficult to be still
when I want to weep
for those whose lives are lost.
It is difficult to be still
when I want to pray
for a future free of fear.
So I say my prayers,
chant the Amidah,
say Kaddish,
and then enter the stillness
like a needle in the groove.

2 Comments on “In the Groove

  1. This poem really spoke to me. I think so much of what we do in life relates to balance. That is why I love these lines:
    To be in the groove
    requires a complete balance
    between stillness and movement,
    between diamond and vinyl.
    I have always loved your earlier poetry collections and have used them with my students. You were such an excellent poet in the schools and inspired so many students.

    • Dear Christy, Thanks SO much for your comment! It’s good to hear from you! Shalom, David Zaslow