I Had a Friend

 

I had a friend

Her name was Gittel. We played

Together. One day Gittel

Didn’t come out. She didn’t come

The next day or the day after.

I asked Mama “Where is Gittel?”

My mother shook her head. Forget

Gittel. She is not your

Friend.

 

I had a friend.

Her name was Bela. I saw her early

That morning. Her mother took her

Hand. They were going away.

Bela turned to wave to me.

My mother took my hand and said

“Do not wave. Do not look.” I never

Saw Bela leave.

She is gone.

 

My new friends said “Death to the Jews.”

I walked away.

I had no friends.

 

In the darkness

Bela comes to me in my dreams.

 

Sylvia Conant

January 2022