Notes About The Poem

But I Must Stay

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

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
December 29, 2014 at 9:51 AM
I like your Historical context. Congratulations.
Guzzi Avatar
December 29, 2014 at 8:58 AM
So little is written to remember all the personal trauma caused. Thank you Roy. Light & Love & Happy New Year
Lindley Avatar
December 28, 2014 at 9:56 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 ..
A   Avatar
December 26, 2014 at 11:01 PM
ROY, congratulations in Craigs C., chopped contest.... LUV LINDA
Kendrick Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 9:38 AM
Wonderful to see your name in the winners' list..Way to go..Congrats..Sara..Great choice of pictures to accent your work..
A. Sharma Avatar
December 22, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Lovely write Roy! Congrats on big win!
Mohn Avatar
December 22, 2014 at 12:50 PM
Beautifully written Roy...Congrats to you
May Avatar
December 22, 2014 at 7:12 AM
A heartfelt write Roy...Congrats on a great win
Allison Avatar
December 21, 2014 at 3:45 PM
very touching write so cleverly penned - congrats Roy:-) Hugs jan xx
Eastman Avatar
December 15, 2014 at 10:02 AM
This one was a true piece of art. Sad, thoughtful, and a reminder to what once was... Very touching for so few words...
Dietrich Avatar
December 10, 2014 at 3:29 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.
Kendrick Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 6:16 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
Manassian Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 11:45 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.
Fleming Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 11:05 PM
Very, very moving!! You have penned a powerful piece of poetry. :) john.
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