I am only one in a sea of many

Hungarians, Gypsies, and Jews.

belittled,

emaciated,

dispirited.

 

Everyday seeking refuge in an annihilated world.

Nighty premonitions of what is to come.

 

Daily a new raucous,

pain,

hunger.

Demanding and needy.

 

Children cry themselves to sleep

Parents lay dreaming of the end.

 

Family disappearing.

Fire burning from the pits of Hell

reaches up to swallow them whole.

 

Children, three and four years old,

starved. Beaten.

Murdered.

Some glad when their name is called.

One flame. One fire. One breath.

Freedom.