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Last Train To Auschwitz

They mocked him, the old religious fanatic Asking God a question with every step Pleading for mercy for each of the town's Jews Blessing each morsel of food he so carefully chews The haughty soldiers are loading up the train now Jamming the last cattle cart 'til it near burst But Yankel is still fiddling with his shoelaces Trying to recall which shoe to put on first What had the Holy Books told him ~ Right or left And then which laces to fasten and what prayer He just couldn't remember. Would God ever forgive him The sounds of the engine gaining steam up there Shoes in hand, he chased the departing train Stumbled and fell on the stones in his path His whole town transported to Auschwitz without him Each one to the crematoria to shower and die ~ Only Yankel left to pray to God, mourn and cry April 14, 2021 Last Train to Auschwitz Poetry Contest Sponsor: Kai Michael Neumann

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Eve Roper

Date: 5/6/2021 11:04:00 PM

Great and powerful write, Gershon, congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 5/6/2021 7:01:00 AM

- A powerful truth of evil, congratulations on your win Gershon - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Juliet Ligon

Date: 5/5/2021 3:10:00 PM

Such a powerful thought that something as simple as fiddling with shoelaces was in God's will, allowing one to be spared among the rest. So many miraculous stories come from such a horrific time in history. You told a powerful tale. Congratulations!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 5/5/2021 4:01:00 PM

Your analysis is spot-on, Juliet. This was truly an amazing occurrence, which that fellow certainly merited because, amidst the hell of Auschwitz, he only wanted to fulfill God's will, as expressed in the Torah and books of Jewish Law. It is a completely true story. Heard it straight from the source. Remarkable. Thanks again, Gershon

DM Babbit

Date: 5/5/2021 10:01:00 AM

Nicely expressed, congrats, may we never forget.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 5/5/2021 2:33:00 AM

Back with congratulations Gershon. Its up to us to keep this horrific story alive in memory of those poor souls who perished at the hands of evil. Tom

Ilene Bauer

Date: 4/15/2021 1:29:00 PM

a powerful and tragic story, gershon! i don't think anything going on today can be compared to the holocaust, although many people try to do so. your poem is wonderful...

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/15/2021 3:53:00 PM

Thank you, ilene. I'm sure you join me in wishing that poems like this would never had had to be written. So many millions lost, sanctifying the Divine Name. May they be ever remembered, and may they inspire us to live meaninful, inspired lives. Blessings, Gershon

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 4/15/2021 6:12:00 AM

It is not easy to comment on this touching poem. Brilliant, impressive write on a harrowing subject. BW ~ Mala

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/15/2021 3:52:00 PM

Mala, you're right, yet it seems like a duty to me and others who were born in the long, dark shadow cast over the Jewish People by Auschwitz, Buchenwald, Dachau, and the rest of those horrific places. May they never again be even remotely duplicated on the face of our Earth. Thank you, Gershon

Tom Cunningham

Date: 4/15/2021 1:05:00 AM

Harrowing write Gershon, the survivors guilt was felt by many who managed to escape or survive the death camps. But its not them who should feel any guilt but those evil Nazis who carried out those atrocities. Good luck in the contest. Tom

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/15/2021 3:50:00 PM

Tom, your support means the world to me, as I know you sincerely mean the words you write. Peace, Gershon

Alexis Y.

Date: 4/14/2021 8:51:00 PM

WoW! Gershon, You have composed a well-written entry for the contest theme. He had to watch his family leave on the train; that leaving meant something horrific. Best wishes in the contest. Well done- Alexis

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/15/2021 3:49:00 PM

Thank you for the boost your thoughtful comment gives me, Alexis. I get a little down when going back in time to my childhood, lived with the long shadows of Auschwitz and Buchenwald casting their gloom over my family and friends. :) gw

David Mchattie

Date: 4/14/2021 6:56:00 PM

If I may make light of your title. Worst country song ever. On a more serious note. A very touching poem on a very serious subject. Wonderfully written. Stay frosty my friend.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/14/2021 8:00:00 PM

David, if it was ok for inmates of Auschwitz to laugh and joke at times, which they did (!), then certainly it's ok for you to make a (very good, btw) joke about the title... That said, I appreciate your support for the heart and soul of this poem, one which clearly is seared into the conscience of my personal history and that of my people. Thank you, Gershon