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October 9, 2025 · Shayndel Plotkin

My Child, I Love You Close By

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From far I love Peace and joy and the wisdom of time
but you, my child, I love you close by

I love you close by and all that you are
from far I love oceans, the moon and the stars

Close by I love knowing you well and your name
close by I love knowing your never the same

Close by I love your smile, your talents and even your fears
that you share with me sometimes through laughter and tears

Close by I love all that you say and you think
I love that I know all you need is a wink

Close by I love that I see you and get your ideas
I love that I watch when you play and your near

From far I love thunder, the wind and the rain
from far I can love what comes forth after the pain

I love from a far sweet fruit in the dirt
close by I love that I hold you close when you hurt

From far I can love the things nobody knows
like angels and heaven and even the cold

From far I can love all that you feel
close by I can sit with you during and after you heal

From far I love peace and nothing with war
close by I love the values we rise up and fight for

From far I love human encounters and meet ups
close by I love long deep and meaningful talks

From far I love concepts, ideas and all dreams
close by I love getting your emojis and memes

From far I love leaders and many good teachers
close by I love hearing the prayers of our preachers

From far I love contemplating the human condition
close by I love living my purpose and mission

From far I want peace in the air land and sea
CLOSE BY I WANT ONLY FOR YOU TO BE FREE.

WE LOVE YOU CLOSE BY – Return Our Hostages Home NOW!

Originally published in The Times of Israel

Come as you are. Belong as you are.

No pressure. No religious prerequisites. No need to know anyone before you arrive.