Ever since I was very young, perhaps 3 or 4, I loved poetry. At first, the poetry that I knew rhymed, but pretty soon I felt the rhythm and sway even of poems that did not rhyme. WHen I was 5 and was asked why I liked poetry so much, I responded that it was like song without the tune, and that the words made their own music. I found that poetry in prayer and in Torah as well, and my body and soul swayed to the music of the words.
As I grew, I still loved poetry, but was told that there was no place for it in the religious world other than prayer and holy text, that it was a waste of time. SO I wrote and kept it to myself. Finally when I was 15, a neighbour who knew of my plight and quandary, and who knew more of the world than I, gave me as a present a copy of Leonard Cohen's collection of poetry (1956-1969). I had never heard of him before, but was thrilled not only to have poetry, but with words that spoke to my heart and soul with the scent of the spicebox of the earth. Here was a poet who could take the blessings of our culture and share them with the world! Here was a writer of song who could join the lower world to the Beyond! Here was a hero, for me. I sought out his work and found that he sang his words, and others did, too. He gave me hope that I as myself could share even with a larger world. He inspired me to make music with my words, and to let my soul sway and shine with them.
I began writing songs, and eventually sang them in university dorm lounges and coffee houses. The religious world eventually put a damper on this, and i was silent again to the world for a very long time. I still sing my songs, just within my 4 walls for now, but after seeing Leonard Cohen, my hero, continue in strength (may he do so to at least 120 in good health) I am feeling more and more that it is time for me go out into the world and share the music of my soul. So, thank you, Reb Cohen. You've opened the world to me and opened me to the world.