David's Harp: Rhymes with mensch

Trying to understand and or become a mensch in the world today,

Often takes more thought and energy and effort, let’s say,

Than one would normally think about on any given day.

We often declare, “He’s a mensch!” and he very well might be, per se.

But the title is too easily labeled and doled out to so many of us,

Like saying, “He’s a tzadik, philanthropist, and genius.”

Part time kindness and fair weathered caring does not a mensch make,

Ignoring the stranger, for goodness sake,

And self-promotion promotes the fake,

That hides in the sugar coated candies of the hands that only take.

What is a mensh? And what rhymes with his word?

I’ve never really met one, although I’ve heard,

He finds none of your concerns too petty,

And he laughs at your joke when he’s heard it already.

When it’s not tasty, he still will chew,

He’ll take your call when he doesn’t want to.

When you can’t say it, he knows what you meant,

And he gives tzedakah, without his accountant.

When everyone in the room thinks they’re more of a mensh then a big shot,

He’s the one who treats you like a mensch and thinks he’s not.

So next time you’re in the park,

And about to use that menschlach phrase on a passerby,

Hold your breath and think for a moment; give it a sigh.

Hesitate, sit down on a bench.

And think of the Yiddish word “to bless.”

After all, that’s what really rhymes with mensch.