Fearful
Of the Aryans who wore
Black or green triangles,
Vagrants, prostitutes, and criminals,
Believed in
The master race.
Fearful
Of anyone we didn’t know
For even Jews would
Push in line,
Point an accusing finger,
Steal a crust of bread or bowl.
I did what I was told.
Kept my mouth shut
My eyes down.
Tried not to draw
Attention.
All around
Clumps of friends,
Of families,
Protected one another.
I stayed with the girls from Łomża
Bronia, Guta, Giza.
Zlatka was alone.