I remember being warned of that day,
But we failed to believe.
We were put on a train
And were forced to leave.
I remember everybody all in one car.
All of us cramped together.
We didn’t have a lot of food
And the ride seemed to take forever.
I remember stopping at a camp called, Auschwitz-Birkenau.
We were happy to stop for good and we hurried off the train.
There were confused faces all around,
For we were unfamiliar with this terrain.
I remember when the males and females were separated,
So families seemed far apart.
There were breaking downs of bodies
And the corruption of minds and hearts.
I remember people knew that it would be chaotic,
So we prayed to God every night and day.
We needed a symbol,
Something to let us know that everything would be okay.
I remember nothing happening,
Just more deaths added to the killing spree.
I just wanted to be out of here.
I just wanted for my family to be set free.
But I knew the chances of that happening were low.
The number of bodies sped up while time slowed down.
My people were frowning and starving,
Anywhere and everywhere you looked around.
And those who tried to escape,
Even when they knew not,
Were quickly retrieved,
And executed on the spot.
Years went by
And I was surprised to still be alive.
I remember wondering
If my savior would ever arrive.
I remember seeing my brother get taken away.
I knew that would be the last time I would see my beloved brother.
But I knew that he would be in my heart,
Just like my father and my mother.
I remember wanting to die too,
Just so I could be with the rest of my family.
But then the best thing happened,
Just when I was beginning to lose my sanity.
I remember everybody running.
“Are we finally leaving?” I thought
Although weak, I ran,
And through the gates I fought.
I remember stepping through the doors,
Thinking that it was all a dream.
But I was quick to realize
That I was finally free.
Finally
Free
By A.Caison