A Jewish bed historically
Has been a divan or
A platform with a portable frame
A mat on the ground
Or couple of quilts on the floor
Not a proper bed at all.
No burden to carry
Easily destroyed
The sleeping place
Moved too often
Could be anywhere at all.
From a cot in a kitchen
To the mattress on the floor
Under a table during war
Then to a space in a place
Where no one belonged.
Bunk beds stacked too high
Cold beds with bugs
Beds of hot ashes
Beds shared with the dead
Displaced lonely beds
Offer no rest.
January 10, 2001