You lie in the sun
yet take no warmth from its
rays
shadow cast long
on the grey concrete below
you

And yet, you live in light

The dirty window, broken
Just like you
broken

And yet, you are whole

Your eyes once full of life,
the papery lids now shut
over them
too tired to take in
the quiet desperation
of your people

And yet, you see

Your red dress, once vibrant,
is stained with blood
your blood
inflicted by the long steel
barrels that spark flaming spit
and the
man they call
Hitler

And yet, you are clean

Your hands, once able, now
boney, fingers slender
clutch onto hope abandon
not willing to purge yourself of
this gruesome Hell
that was thrust upon you
without consent

And yet, you know no evil

Your face, once youthful
has aged beyond your years
the pale skin stretched across
high cheekbones,
eyes ocher with sadness,
uncomprehending

And yet, you are beautiful

Your heart aches from
loss unfathomed,
mourns for your family
lost
you are alone
in this world

And yet, He is with you

As twilight falls,
hush descending
and the Earth begins
to bemoan and silently cry
tears of dew for
the plight of
her people
know only this:

You are strong
not in stature
but in heart