Aleph

The Silent Elder. Aleph never speaks, and everything speaks through him. He is two Yods joined by a Vav — upper waters, lower waters, and the hook that holds them — a whole cosmology standing very still. He carries the oxen strength of beginnings but refuses to push.

Aleph did not step forward. The Holy One asked why, and Aleph said: the others are worthier. For that modesty he was made first of all letters, head of the Name Ehyeh, and told: the world will be created with Bet, but you will be first — Alef of Elef, the One of thousands.