Ilene Bauer | + Follow Poet |
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I Didn't Want to Write This

I didn’t want to write this poem,
But how could I refuse
When every day I read or hear
More horror in the news?

The Mideast situation’s
Always had opposing views
And sadly, when there’s fighting,
Everybody feels the screws.

Yet after World War II, survivors
Thought they’d paid their dues,
But here we are again with hatred
Aiming at the Jews.

At colleges, behavior
That nobody should excuse
Has caused fear among the students
They have chosen to accuse.

Some had relatives the Nazis
Forced in camps to wear tattoos,
So they’re shocked to learn that loathing
Hasn’t managed to defuse.

It’s a horrible reminder
That so many can confuse
Outright evil with the right to have
A homeland one can’t lose.

Copyright © Ilene Bauer | Year Posted 2023

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Hannah Borke Date: 11/16/2023 9:23:00 AM There were always evil people and there always will be, but it’s disheartening to learn that it’s the majority or nearly so. Login to Reply

Bill Baker Date: 11/14/2023 9:27:00 PM Excellent poetry, Ilene. It sad it's so true in our lives these days. You would think humans would learn something from all the wars we've had. Insanity as defined, is happening over and over with the same outcome. Thanks for sharing through your fine poetry, my friend. Bill Login to Reply

Gershon Wolf Date: 11/14/2023 6:51:00 PM At least this time, we have a country to run to, if and when necessary -- unlike our grandparents and great-grandparents who perished in Europe or in the camps. ~ Gershon Login to Reply

Daniel Turner Date: 11/14/2023 2:02:00 PM "War is only a cowardly escape from the problems of peace" It is very sad, Ilene. Login to Reply

Jan Allison Date: 11/14/2023 1:28:00 PM You may not have wanted to write it Ilene, but I applaud you for speaking out, the situation across the world is abhorrent with demonstrations and clashes and innocent people living in fear:-( hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Ilene Bauer Date: 11/14/2023 1:34:00 PM Thank you, Jan! Political writing can easily raise hackles, but I never thought I’d see the day when such hatred is hitting so close to home. It’s so sad and so frightening…