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MIdsummerRain
Member
since 2002-05-19
Posts 175
St. Louis, Missouri

0 posted 2002-06-14 02:46 AM


~ Inspired by NIGHT by Elie Wiesel

It was on a train long ago that I trembled
    with the knowledge of my comming abode;
My mother beside me, she weeped like
    that of a child, as my Golden Star was bestowed.
Father stood far away, long forgotten
    & silently strange;
While my brother, my little sister stood
    still as well; they would not make the exchange.

The air was foul, with dirty rags
    & skin peeling from the walls;
Taken aback, by the people it beared,
    till this day I can still hear their calls.
The train came to a hault
    & it was I who heard it first;
The torment, that laughter,
    could my Star be cursed?

My mother went down on hands & knees
    as my brother breathed his last;
My father ripped his Golden Star
    its was then I heard the blast.
My sister, attached to my mother -
    would not leave her behind;
& I remember now, her looking at me
    knowing her fate, she signed.

I looked away as they stripped
    me of my clothes;
They gave me a number, set me aside
    & then my path was chose.
That night I sat alone watching
    the bodies at their play;
The suffering of their words, the anguish of there cries,
    said more than words should say.

We were all given bread to sate the war
    that our stomachs fought each day,
To sate the war that our bodies fought;
    for each command was harder to obey.
Then one night, I glanced at my Star
    amused by the curse it  disposed;
After that I cried myself to sleep each night
    knowing my Star was exposed...

The days passed, flew into years & at
    seventeen I was spared;
Yet those nights, those days, they cling to me;
    & I find myself still scared.
I heard about what caused it,
    & the man behind that mask;
About the Jews who suffered & died
    & the Nazis behind the task.

My wife, she never knew about that
     pain that I deeply beared;
I wanted to keep her away from such pain,
    & for that, I never shared.
My daughter holds my heart,
    my son holds my strength;
My grandchildren hold my Star
    for them, I would run any length.

My life is comming to an end,
    my soul longs for that peace;
For my knowledge is much , my fear - blind
    & from that I seek release.
Freedom you say, does it have a place -
     here in this earth to lie?
Ah, yes that freedom resides
     in me, just look into my eyes!

~ My studies on the Holacaust & its victims have moved me, & changed me for all time; I dedicate this poem to ALL of its victoms & survivors...

~ Thank you Poet deVine for this challenge, you've helped me open up my heart, & find my poetry again!

~Rayne



For in much wisdom is much grief
& he who increases knowledge
    increases sorrow...
                  Eccl. 1:18

[This message has been edited by MIdsummerRain (06-14-2002 02:37 PM).]

© Copyright 2002 Rayne Leigh - All Rights Reserved
SEA
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
1 posted 2002-06-14 02:54 AM


this is amazing writng, and very moving....
ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
2 posted 2002-06-14 03:59 AM


A very deep penetrating read. I became totally engrossed in it!
MIdsummerRain
Member
since 2002-05-19
Posts 175
St. Louis, Missouri
3 posted 2002-06-15 01:27 AM


~ SEA, your words move me my friend, thank you!
~ ethome, you humble me as always!

With Admiration ~Rayne

For in much wisdom is much grief
& he who increases knowledge
    increases sorrow...
                  Eccl. 1:18

MidnightSon
Member
since 2002-05-15
Posts 312
between the gutter & the stars
4 posted 2002-06-15 09:39 AM


i was drawn in...
a powerful story and a courageous life you've captured here.
well written. a worthy tribute.

it's our struggle for identity that leaves us all unknown

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
5 posted 2002-06-15 10:38 AM


all too familiar to me...well done,
I am impressed.

M

Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
6 posted 2002-06-15 11:06 AM


This is exactly what I wanted! I too have studied the Holocaust because there are so many stories of courage and survival! Thank you so much for writing this for the challenge.

(And I'm glad it unblocked you. I know how bad it feels to be unable to write.)

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
7 posted 2002-06-15 11:18 AM


MIdsummerRain
A powerful and moving write. It is one of the sins I cannot peel from my skin.

MIdsummerRain
Member
since 2002-05-19
Posts 175
St. Louis, Missouri
8 posted 2002-06-15 03:50 PM


MidnightSon ~The favor is returned, for I am drawn in to your words as well; Thank you

Nakdthoughts ~It pleases me that your impressed!

Poet deVine ~I owe you more than you know, my friend!

Seymour Tabin ~Im so happy that you enjoyed it!

With Admiration to all here
~Rayne

For in much wisdom is much grief
& he who increases knowledge
    increases sorrow...
                  Eccl. 1:18

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
9 posted 2002-06-17 01:02 AM




(big hugggsssssss) Oh my gosh, this is so very sad but powerful, sweet friend, I have actually read that book three years ago and it too broke my heart reading it and feeling for the victims of the Holocaust! (sad sigh) You have described the cry for freedom so well here, sweet friend, this is fabulous, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet friend, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

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