Auschwitz

No more the wretched screams of pain are heard within this place
We walk here with the ghosts of they who ever haunt this space
This godforsaken abattoir, this slaughter house of shame
Remembered in far distant land with one eternal  flame.

No birds sing here nor pass in flight, Life pauses at the gate 
The silence of the grave abides within this fence of hate
And even from the hardest heart it screams the question why
The ovens yawn their dreadful truth that bleeds tears from the eye.

A cold and dreadful ambiance is trapped within this wire
Imagined sounds of shuffling feet of those consigned to fire
The chambers shame in silence bears, the horror that befell
What evil, Godless, twisted mind, designed this ordered Hell

What awful thought, what sick warped mind, imagined such as this
Where hid the souls, who sold their friends, betrayed with Judas kiss
Repentant tears can never cleanse, this stain that mars this land
Nor Pilate’s basin, wash the blame, from bigots bloody hands

The earnest prayer of all who stand in silent witness here, 
Cries Justice for six million lives, destroyed by Facist fear
This manufactured hell hole, this mark of Cain defined
This everlasting edifice, of disgrace and shame enshrined
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Devonshire Avatar
March 29, 2011 at 1:35 PM
This poem is filled with the emotion that only the concentration camps could evoke, David. This was the worst period in our world's history and the atrocities committed there will never be forgotten. Makes me ashamed that I have German heritage -- always has. Also, wasn't David Wallace the same name as the historical figure in Braveheart? Just had to check out your writing when I saw your name. Best wishes, Carolyn
Mehta Avatar
March 26, 2011 at 9:00 AM
Thoughtful expressions nicely worded, David
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace