Putting Things Back Together

Over the next week,

we learn about all the little miracles.

The real wonder is the bridge,

Mr. Cohen says.

It was rush hour,

it should have been packed,

but everyone was at the game instead.

Baseball saved everyone.

 

 

My father makes plans

to repair Malia’s house

and the community center.

I go everywhere with him

like an assistant,

the front seat of his truck

filled with blueprints and lists.

We get ice cream all the time.

 

 

My grandfather sometimes comes,

repairing the metal work,

fastening hinges,

all the detailed work

that’s so hard to do.

 

 

And every night,

my mother tells us about how they

are rebuilding the city.

I tell her about Malia starting school

after winter break.

I tell her about my Shabbat idea

and that we want to surprise Grandpa.

Of course! she says.