Miryam's Space

I originally wrote this exactly four years ago, for DLTI but never published. A favorite kid’s book of mine is the Big Orange Splot, (Daniel Pinkwater), in which a sea gull spills a can of orange paint on the owner, Mr. Plumbean’s roof. Instead of repainting or erasing, the owner leaves the blemish, turns it into a sun image, and remakes his whole home to reflect his dreams. “My house is me and I am it. My house is where I like to be and it looks like all my dreams.” And the neighborhood responds, until all the homes reflect their owner’s dreams and soul. According to Rav Kook, the loving details of the mishkan show us the various ways to connect to G-d. Could Mishkan be a map of our hopes and dreams and very soul. But what about the “splots” – the disappointments, challenges, faults, shame. Maybe they are important too, like Mr. Plumbean’s splot, can become the sun in our scene!  

Mansion dreams in giant sizes filled me when I was younger

in center was a room made and star dust and light

E                      F#m7                                 G#m7         F#m7   B7

Today a tent will do, a canopy where together we can become whole

D                     F#m7                                 G#m7

I think there’s sublime design to my very soul

E                                 F#m7                                 G#m7                                     B7

Taking God with us, it’s how WE Carry  our Dreams through the journey of years

D                                              F#m7                                  G#m7          F#m7

How can our dreams survive intact through the all the fears?

Cut the cloth from love, Measure out the seams with care

cast jewels of joy on the breast plate and light that flame, eternal flame

Mansion dreams in giant sizes filled me when I was younger

What Remains in the center is a room made and star dust and light

E                      F#m7                                 G#m7         F#m7                           B7

Today a tent will do, a canopy where together we can become whole

D                                 A                                  F#m                 G#m

I think there’s sublime design to my very soul

But off on the side is a dark fearful room

D                      A

Hurt, anguish doubt emptiness and gloom

is this all sublime design too or simply my chains?

If I can embrace that place too,

a soft gentle breeze blows right through

to fan my ner tamid to blazing blue and yellow and purple and scarlet hues.

Points the way You Helps me see way through

Chorus