At the Senior Center
in Catskill, New York
I began my book tour today
readings and writings
for ALL OF US
and Ernest, one of the class
participants, Black man from Brooklyn,
in Catskill now, told a very good story about
being a JW (Jehovah’s Witness)
There was a time
when he was a boy when he
there was an E in the middle
and he was a JEW. My father met
a Jewish woman in the army in Berlin
he said. When he came back
to Brooklyn he wanted to
celebrate the Sabbath. He went
from JEW to JW over the years
said Ernest, a Deacon in his church,
EMT driver for 30 years, man
with a story he wants to tell.
When is the best time of day
for me to write my story he asked.
Time doesn’t matter I replied.
Are you sure? asked Ernest.
Thank you to everyone who wrote saying
where can I get your book (ALL OF US by Esther Cohen).
It’s online everywhere. (I prefer Bookshop).
I have been reading All of Us. Slowly. Savoring each story and poem. I am loving it. What a perfect place to start your book tour. I went to a summer camp in the Catskills with the unlikely name, “St. Joseph’s Camp,” run by nuns. Have a wonderful book tour and a warm, lovely, loving Thanksgiving with your beautiful family.
Much love to you all,
Ann
I will have to get your book from someone coming down from the states. Cant wait!