THE BOYS

The boys were so rowdy; they would not be still.

They romped and made mischief till I'd had my fill.

“Leiby, it's your turn. Go into Abba's bed.

No talking between rooms—just quiet instead!”

But Boruch, who'd napped, would not fall asleep.

The new books from the library—he liked them a heap.

And he sang as he read them—so loud and so strong,

that Azriel could not fall asleep for so long,

he came and complained to me, “What should I do?”

“Go into Ima's bed. There, he won't bother you.

But be sure to be quiet, for Leiby's asleep.”

And Azriel was quiet; he did not make a peep.

As I entered my room much later that night,

laden with laundry, I found a sweet sight.

Instead of a boy in each bed, as had been,

there were two in my bed, looking almost like twins.

The love that they hide by day, when they fight,

as they lay side by side, shone clearly by night.

And I wish for my boys that this love may stay strong

and keep them together in spirit all their lives long.