overwhelming

she pours time

from her grandmother’s crystal ewer

into the glass

her daddy called his own

truly a bit overwhelming

pausing for a bittersweet moment

she takes only small sips of the day

nearly choking on the taste

is she dreaming?

no, child, this is more of a nightmare

the cogs of “never again”

navigate a bumpy road

she remembers the stories

sees the golden patch and shivers

with a sense of déjà vu

a proud Jew

she does not want to “pass”

the width and the breadth of Antisemitism

may have morphed through the years

but i wonder

on this bumpy road

can the buses take them all away?

we must not allow the hate to be accepted

yes, truly a bit overwhelming

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Oh dear Lydi**, your poem really strikes a chord. We are supposed to learn by the events of history and now we see this intolerance and hatred spreading again. It so needs to be stamped out. A friend is a friend. Religion does not come into the equation, only love.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a beautiful thing to say, Chris. Thank you for this lovely review. Your compassion is appreciated. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

You are so welcome my friend 🌺

[Desert Knave]

It really is a horrid time to even discuss faith for almost everyone. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, Jim. Thank you for the review. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my dear Lydi! my heart breaks in reading this profound reminder of the horrors of radical race hatred crimes committed over and over it seems. history is too resplendent with it and most assuredly the most recent is the pledged goal of Hamas and their venomous tendrils that snake across the land ... the protests and riots supporting those groups is abhorrent to me ... sending you hugs, prayers and my own commitment opposing Hamas terrorists and other associated hate groups .. love and peace dear friend .. powerful write .. pointedly relevant .. our hearts bleed together over such aberrations of humanity :(
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

Venomous tendrils...indeed! Thank you so much for your compassion and understanding, E. It means so much. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

luv you my friend :)

[Ken Simm.]

A painfully honest, remarkably revealing and exceptionall overwhelmingly beautiful poem Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Ken....so much praise! Lydi**

[emmajoygreen]

Outside our faiths, we all breathe the same air then sleep during the dark night, yes? History has done its worst with Mankind, created dictators and despots who initiate events then, send young men and women - et al if needed, to slaughter human beings similar but not the same to - themselves.
-
Right now, there are wars and terrors that stir the general global population against individuals. That includes youngsters who pick on and cause hell to others in their school.
I wonder who would set their dogs onto children and old people alike? I wonder which of us would stand up and say, 'He/She is my friend.. and always will be, whatever her heritage'.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Emma, for this compassionate review. Acceptance of all - differences and similarities - is what it's all about. But it is never simple, is it? Lydi**

[emmajoygreen]

No, most definitely not. Perhaps now is the time to show Stephen Spielberg's nine hour(?) film

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you Emma!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

With all that is happening now....we see that we are backtracking....

any progress is being smited by the hate. and I am not sure the vehicle of peace can survive this bumpy road. Like will said, a departure but such power in these words.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Jacob. It is a departure from the sort of poetry I usually write. I find it impossible to believe this is happening in the USA. Lydi**

[willweb]

Wow, definitely a departure (poetically) from you but so damn powerful and lesson filled. For me the hate is intolerable, regardless of who it is aimed at. In my day (oops, age alert) we protested but, in the process, we promoted love and peace. This is pure evil hate and it is sickening. Wow, I really went off there, didn't I? Well anyway, your poem my friend is sad but does lean towards the side of love and understanding. Abolish hate, promote love.

[Lydia Shutter]

Will, thank you so much for the review and for your compassion. Watching the news is terrifying lately. Vietnam protests were quite a different thing. The USA was actually boots on the ground. Not so in Palestine. Chanting "death to America" and "Kill all the Jews". My family left the Netherlands because of things frighteningly similar. Looks like you are the only one brave enough to review this poem! I really appreciate it, Will. Lydi**