YIDDISH

When I was a child,

I thought that Yiddish was
Something you acquired

When you grew old,

Like grey hair.

All around me,
Old people spoke Yiddish.

Now, in my mind's ear,

All day long,

I hear the voices of my ancestors,

Speaking Yiddish.

And, although no one around me now
Speaks Yiddish,

I suddenly find I am speaking Yiddish -

Expressions I haven't heard in decades.