You Can’t

This is my favourite piece of poetry that I’ve written. Similar to the other poetry from 2006, it explores war, in this case the Holocaust. Originally, the piece had a “optimistic” conclusion, but I’ve removed it. However, if you want to read it, highlight the blank section at the end, and it should be there (in white text).

It’s been sixty years since it happened,

But it doesn’t make it any better, any less worse

Still as terrible as when it began

What is done can’t be changed, oven over time

You can’t reverse horror, just watch it take its course, and the course it’s taken.

 

People still try to deny it, or talk it down

Saying it didn’t exist, it’s just lies and propaganda

Half-truths and skewed views, to make us feel sorry

Something like this could never happen, nothing so terrible

You can’t analyse horror, just let it flood through you like a river.

 

The gas chambers ruined so many,

But now it is the gas chambers that are ruined, their bricks and stones crumbling.

The merciless war machine that did this lies defunct, rotting, never to be buried,

It’s torn flag fluttering in the wind, the Swastika staring at world that reviles it.

 

You see people, all these years later, raising their right arms, and marching with raised legs

“Hail Hitler” they say, then turn and giggle with their friends, not a source of horror, but of humour.

But sixty years ago, it was the utmost symbol of dread.

You can’t measure horror, just fall to the ground and tremble as it flexes it’s muscular neck,

Then slowly, scorchingly, stares into your eyes, pinning you to the floor, and burning hatred into your soul.

 

And as it locks it’s gaze on you, focusing it’s pure, ruthless disgust,

You have chance to draw your sword, and plunge it deep into the beast’s dark, cold heart.

ALL WORKS ONTHIS BLOG ARE COPYRIGHT DANIEL GOODMAN 2008. 

Please simply seek the Author’s permission before reproducing it anyway.

~ by Dan on April 15, 2008.