[Page 190]

Of you, my Nechome, I remember, Those years for which I pine. You never leave my thoughts Your pale face, long braids. You were left alone – Driven by the storm of destruction. No one to protect you From the slaughter of the Nazis. My little sister, my caring one, So fine of character, From childhood on They did mistreat you. Your flaw – a deformed eye But light and lovely your bearing. With downcast gaze, You yet saw all. Feeling the pain of others Your days full of sorrow. But how bright was that day, I remember as now, From the doctor you came Bright–eyed, with joy. A new life was coming How high were your hopes. – but disaster was ready And our parting was near. Who could have thought, That a sword would slash Sisters, young and old, So cruelly, so cold! Infants and young lives Father and mother hopes, – How could it happen And how could God witness? Hard to believe even now Who could have sent the Nazi evil; Who defended the brutal When Jewish blood gushed forth?! I ask and I shudder, Having been never too brave, And where is the Watcher of Israel One no longer asks in wonder. When a lone sister So pure of heart –– Went with her People A young sacrifice on the altar. Nechome, your words at the railway station Haunt my every step. The song that you used to sing, Never stops ringing in my ears. Your words of parting so lovely – how could this have happened?! Have you achieved a family, Nechome, Who will avenge you? And yet I was always so certain That I would see my sister again. My heart bleeds And all is black Remembering night and day That all were slain! Grief torments and burns me At the mass–grave in the forest Where brothers and sisters lie, Of slaughtered Jewish lives; Their blood cries out demanding; Remember, Remember, Remind! Let our People always remember What the Nazi–enemy did to us.

  Ivanovo, Belarus     Yizkor Book Project     JewishGen Home Page

Copyright © 1999-2024 by JewishGen, Inc.
Updated 30 Aug 2020 by JH