We visited a local village called Oświęcim, then went to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz Birkenau. Our day finished with a moving memorial service led by Rabbi Barry.
It was an long and surreal day and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to go.
This is a poem that I wrote reflecting my experience of Auschwitz, particularly the inspired by the stone stairs in the Auschwitz I buildings.
Steps.
Steps
Where I tread my feet
Walking the prints of murderers and murdered
Of vanquishers and victimes.
Evil is not often a leap
But steps
A system obeyed
Eyes turned blind
A phone call for a reward
A crowd followed
Priorites chosen
Steps taken
Conscience seared
Humanity eroded.
I very rarely write poetry but it sometimes seems to express some things in a way that prose can't. I hope it goes some way to communicate my thoughts. It could continue and talk about steps to hope and goodness - I may write that verse one day - or maybe you could continue it for yourself.
What steps have you taken today - and where have they been leading?
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