You stare at me so sweetly

lift those tiny eyes

raise your chubby finger

so, so high.

 

I look behind the barricade

wonder what to do.

Am I defending my country,

or living a lie so untrue?

 

You chuckle and you giggle

laugh with so much pride

crawl toward me

and I want to hide.

 

“Kill that little Jew!”

My master shouts from behind

“pull that trigger,

no time to change your mind.”

 

With this I pull the trigger back

fist tight around the gun.

I point the pistol toward that voice,

the unexpected deed is done.

 

My Nazi commander hits the ground,

head spinning through the air

blood pours from the remains

I have little care.

 

My heart is pounding,

words are none

doubts erased

toss away my gun.

 

I turn around again

smile at what I see

the baby’s smiling face

is looking back at me.

 

Year’s go by, and I reflect

on everything I’ve done

memories long buried

emerge from shade to sun.

 

How was I so wicked

filled with so much hate

torturing other beings

unmindful of our common fate?

 

Love all beings.

Learn from each other,

turn aside from hating,

for all men are your brother.

 

We are given this world

as a precious gift

create it as you wish

seek always to uplift.

 

Never give up hope

have faith we will succeed.

Violence is not the answer

this prayer I hope you heed.