Extrapolate

to create unity out of our uniqueness is the rub

to meld diversity into the one without losing anyone

not to bend each person into one mold

to bond together with common needs

and watch each other’s back is at stake 

to learn how twelve separate tribes

become one unity, one hebrew people—

one rabbi suggests that when they

built the tabernacle, the tent of meeting

each individual gave a piece, one gave 

cloth, one thread, one his strength, another

her gold, her metal work, embroidery

one knew how to dye cloth, another how to weave

it was, the rabbi said, that work blended them

Into a nation, into a people

God gave instructions—
to open hearts

and all the people did the work 

and twelve tribes became one