Shoes By the River

In 1944 or so, The Nazis did deliver A group of Jews in Hungary Into the Danube River. They lined them up and shot them dead - Not one did soldiers save - A Jew was not considered worthy Of a normal grave. Before they shot them, one command Was, "First, take off your shoes." The shots rang out and that was all Remaining of the Jews. Today in Budapest, you'll see Lined up along the shore, A lot of beat-up shoes in bronze To stay forevermore. And looking at those shoes, you'll find The past has come alive. The Jews who wore them somehow Beat the odds and still survive. Memorials have power if They don't let us forget, And those shoes by the Danube Left me strongly in their debt.