TWO SOULS
By the Baal Shem Tov
From every human being
there rises a light
that reaches straight to heaven.
And when two souls
that are destined to be together
find each other,
their streams of light flow together,
and a single brighter light goes forth
from their united being.
(Today’s poem is in the public domain, belongs to the masses, and appears here today accordingly.)
The Baal Shem Tov: Rabbi Yisroel (Israel) ben Eliezer (d.1760), often called the Baal Shem Tov, was a Jewish mystical rabbi. He is considered to be the founder of Hasidic Judaism. (Annotated biography of the Baal Shem Tov courtesy of Wikipedia, with edits.)
Editor’s Note: Today’s poem is a quote from the Baal Shem Tov that gives rise to the age old question: What is poetry? If poetry is beautiful lyric that speaks to the human condition, that considers love with eloquence and a care for words and ideas, today’s quote is most certainly that. Today’s post is dedicated to my husband, with whom I am beginning a journey as a “united being.” May we shine brightly together from our single light.
Want to read more by and about the Baal Shem Tov?
Wikipedia
Jewish Virtual Library
As It Ought To Be 
Mazel tov to the editor!
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Todah! (Thank you!) Nyama! And a special thanks to my mother, who read today’s poem at our wedding! : )
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Sweet
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