But I Must Stay

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My wife may go, but I must stay
My unused ticket in my hand
Her flight is finally underway

The Nazis held my full dossier
The word had come from high command
My wife may go, but I must stay

Our cigarettes within the tray
With lipstick stains upon her brand
Her flight is finally underway

My passport stamped with letter "J"
A clerk is typing - I am banned
My wife may go, but I must stay

One golden earring gone today
The other one tight in my hand
Her flight is finally underway

I lied: "It's just a short delay."
Perhaps one day she'll understand
My wife may go, but I must stay
Her flight is finally underway

November 29, 2014

Notes:
1936 - Jews no longer allowed electrical/optical equipment, bicycles, typewriters or records
1938 - Jews' passports stamped with a red letter 'J'. May not be used to re-enter Germany. 
Some have passports removed to prevent them leaving the country.

For complete list see http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/voices/info/decrees/decrees.html

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 12/29/2014 9:51:00 AM
I like your Historical context. Congratulations.
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Date: 12/29/2014 8:58:00 AM
So little is written to remember all the personal trauma caused. Thank you Roy. Light & Love & Happy New Year
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Date: 12/28/2014 9:56:00 PM
Adding this to my fav list . A great piece on the tragedy and heartache that destroyed so many innocent people. Truly masterful write my friend.. Super 7 ..
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Date: 12/26/2014 11:01:00 PM
ROY, congratulations in Craigs C., chopped contest.... LUV LINDA
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Date: 12/23/2014 9:38:00 AM
Wonderful to see your name in the winners' list..Way to go..Congrats..Sara..Great choice of pictures to accent your work..
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Date: 12/22/2014 8:39:00 PM
Lovely write Roy! Congrats on big win!
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Date: 12/22/2014 12:50:00 PM
Beautifully written Roy...Congrats to you
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Date: 12/22/2014 7:12:00 AM
A heartfelt write Roy...Congrats on a great win
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Date: 12/21/2014 3:45:00 PM
very touching write so cleverly penned - congrats Roy:-) Hugs jan xx
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Date: 12/15/2014 10:02:00 AM
This one was a true piece of art. Sad, thoughtful, and a reminder to what once was... Very touching for so few words...
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Date: 12/10/2014 3:29:00 PM
the very last verse tells us exactly the truth. This is a sad one and it's VERY clever how you pieced together the items. I find this type of poem so hard to do when I do not enjoy the words or images given us to use. Loved how you picked villanelle form for it.
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Date: 12/9/2014 6:16:00 AM
Creative way to go with the topics of the contest..I hope not a happening in your family and just a write from history..Reads like a winner to me..Thanks for the visit to my page.."Easy as pie" I think means easy as eating pie which if it is good is an easy task..Thank goodness for ready made pie shells today..Sara
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Date: 11/29/2014 11:45:00 PM
Oh! :( So sad....I know...what discrimination is all about. We too experienced a genocide. Roy...This is amazing! It should be published somewhere other than HERE! Who the genocide of the Jews is commemorated, this should be read. Absolutely stunning.
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Date: 11/29/2014 11:05:00 PM
Very, very moving!! You have penned a powerful piece of poetry. :) john.
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