Lullabies of the SonderKommando (1. The War Came: Oceans, Shoelace)

Lullabies of the SonderKommando (1. The War Came: Oceans, Shoelace)

A Poem by Emel Kay

I remember not
believing that I
was there. Your
breasts against
my body, bare
or perhaps close.
I didn't wonder
at luck rather I
crept up on it,
waited my turn
and then I was.
I remember the
length and smell
of your hair.
The sweetness
of sunrises missed
over rich and
powdered eyes.
But then the war
came. Slithered
and took what
it wanted, a
crook who cares
not for the glitz
but all for the
gold. So I am
told, so I am
told. (Ikeptonly
onethingwhen
wewenttothe
trainsashellyou
gavemepainted
andsaltyhidinmy
mouthfornoone
tofind). we traveled
for a week, I
never had time to
tie my shoes.

© 2008 Emel Kay


My Review

Would you like to review this Poem?
Login | Register




Featured Review

A sobering piece indeed...

You seem to have a good grasp on the sudden hopelessness of the Holocaust, and I loved this poem for many reasons. For one, your reference to hair was perfect. The speaker's wistful tone reminded me of how horrible it must have been to lose something that completely defines femininity and allure. You paint the perfect picture of a beautiful lover, coated in the lacquer of remorse and sorrow... Likewise, your reference to the trains and shoes fit so perfectly as well. Like a complete puzzle, this meaning sunk in after a few solid reads and some thought. No time for anything, not even the simplest actions. They were here, and they were not. Human, and animal.

"(Ikeptonly
onethingwhen
wewenttothe
trainsashellyou
gavemepainted
andsaltyhidinmy
mouthfornoone
tofind)"

You're too clever....I felt the hurriedness of the speaker...his rush to hold onto one small token of his life. Everything else is gone, and the seashell is his only possession in the world...the link to his former self.

Emel, it is a treat to read your poetry. I always seem to find something to take from it, whether it be inspiration or a sense of humility. Thank you for sharing.

Posted 15 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.




Reviews

A sobering piece indeed...

You seem to have a good grasp on the sudden hopelessness of the Holocaust, and I loved this poem for many reasons. For one, your reference to hair was perfect. The speaker's wistful tone reminded me of how horrible it must have been to lose something that completely defines femininity and allure. You paint the perfect picture of a beautiful lover, coated in the lacquer of remorse and sorrow... Likewise, your reference to the trains and shoes fit so perfectly as well. Like a complete puzzle, this meaning sunk in after a few solid reads and some thought. No time for anything, not even the simplest actions. They were here, and they were not. Human, and animal.

"(Ikeptonly
onethingwhen
wewenttothe
trainsashellyou
gavemepainted
andsaltyhidinmy
mouthfornoone
tofind)"

You're too clever....I felt the hurriedness of the speaker...his rush to hold onto one small token of his life. Everything else is gone, and the seashell is his only possession in the world...the link to his former self.

Emel, it is a treat to read your poetry. I always seem to find something to take from it, whether it be inspiration or a sense of humility. Thank you for sharing.

Posted 15 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.


Share This
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Request Read Request
Add to Library My Library
Subscribe Subscribe


Stats

186 Views
1 Review
Rating
Added on May 15, 2008
Last Updated on May 15, 2008

Author

Emel Kay
Emel Kay

Harrisburg, PA



About
Currently working 15 hours a day to write the other nine of them. A prophet to pavement. University educated to sound like a prick, a three year editor of arts, written and visual. A lover of all thin.. more..

Writing
Bravery Bravery

A Poem by Emel Kay