buried deep in curtain’s fog
of raven black sludge
wooden clogs sink deep
socket-eyed, gaunt humans
crucial heat escaping, I awake
I give her a hopeful nudge
ebony, shaved head
one of eight in our bed
I shiver, stone-cold
and yet begin to strip
clothes off, stark white
flesh of the nocturnal dead
stems bereft of petals
bones, a reminder of belly pains
amid the stench of kinfolk death
ash snow falls woven in summer rain
hidden amongst Poland’s sin
five furnaces with remains
misery oozes from black toes
haunting earwig of the tortuous
omnipresent hum of
electric fences that sear
weakened hearts that fly
toward their only freedom
deny our death, there is no bigger lie*
three straddle the opening
of wooden hole to take a shit*
our flesh hangs twiglike
as daily they chisel away
our humanity bit by sacred bit
Sonderkommando lead the young*
where gas pellets fall
hunger ingests us leisurely
from the inside out
an enemy that splits you
bellows in vain, as one by one
we struggle just to remain
evil gas emits daily
from a shower spout
1000 new arrivals await
a hot shower to come
screams of anguish saturate
the pearls of heaven’s gate
as they claw and climb
dizzy, pain, seizures float
them into light, a holy time
now there is hair, jewelry
and gold yet in seams to unsew
then, off to the incinerators
1000 new moms and wee ones go
_____________________________________________________________________________________
flakes of ash snow
lie upon a blade of grass
2000 dead a day – I wonder if I know
could it be a friend
or my granddad’s last smile
a neighbor’s child, sorrow’s sinful end
echoes of a deadly hum
wooden shoes sink, my toes rot
humanity snared, like the village I am from
like queen bees in a hive
Sonderkommando eager to prepare*
unquiet wide eyes who with the moon arrive
strip petals off a flower
leave all remnants of life behind
no matter, blooms will not grow in gas shower
wails of children loom
stuck in lime cement brick walls
tiny fraying hands enclosed within a tomb
electric fences taunt, sear
haunting earwig of the hum
and the rancid smell of death that lingers here
mountaintops of dead bird wings
glasses, shoes and jaws shine clean
raging grasp of torture, is what deportation brings
the net large, the toll is great
evil dances, history rings the bell
sour the taste of war, segregation and it’s hate
August 2025 will snow arrive
humans in money making private prisons
how will these helpless immigrants survive
weakened hearts that fly
toward their only prayer of hope
still some deny our death, there is no bigger lie*
References:
Holocaust denial on Trial: The Story of Irving v Lipstadt – Historyextra.com
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/sonderkommando-uprising-auschwitz-birkenau
Oh, Joni… This is such a difficult piece to read, so brutal and haunting, and all the more so because it’s all truth. The parallels between Nazi Germany’s Third Reich and America’s current Fourth Reich are terrifying. Humans have become mere things, statistics, waste, and elites rake in $ billions processing these people while rabid cultist rejoice and right-wing propagandists spin their lies. This is right up there with the very best poetry you’ve ever written, in my opinion. This piece screams to be read by all to remind us of the monsters among us who feast on violence, hatred and inhumanity.
This is a masterpiece, Joni. An absolute, gut-wrenching, horrifying masterpiece. Thank you for having the courage to speak this truth. Would that all of us were as brave as you, my friend.
Dearest Mike, you will never know how much your comment means to me. I am much like yourself in that it is difficult to write at this current time in history. I have found the similarities between the developments emerging unequivocally to be strikingly similar to what happened in the same timeline as events leading up to the Holocaust. We are in a progression that has presently led to the start of the tagging and segregation of people who are different from the white Republican male. Women have lost so many rights in the US. Children, elders, and the poorest of the poor will pay first for the rich to get richer, while those people will become homeless and die of heat/cold or starvation. Before I get myself too worked up let me just give this quote by the magnificent ACLU :
Here is the Report and the Link: Trump on Immigration
You’re right on all counts, Joni. I think back to my grandparents’ generation and how they fought and died to protect the world from the exact same sickness that is so prevalent now: fascism. Each step from this fascist government is a litmus test to see if they can get away with their crimes against humanity, and each successive step is even more bold and evil. My God, haven’t we all seen this movie before? Haven’t we learned anything from the past? Personally speaking, I’m in a couple of those groups that the fascists are aiming for: I’m in my 60s, and I’m disabled. Two strikes against me right off the bat. They will continue their march to fulfill their grotesque and immoral plan unless we rise against them en masse, I’m afraid. We who have voices must speak out loudly and clearly. Perhaps many people don’t want to hear the brutal truth or be bothered to take action, but the alternative is beyond unthinkable. Much respect to you, Joni. This poem is incredibly urgent and powerful. Thank you for the link, too.
You are so right, Mike. I have been following the steps very carefully. I watched a concentration camp survivor in Britain at a large protest, talking about the similarities in the world today. A lot of people use God as a reason not to speak out and I am a person of faith but I believe in free will. A lot of people just want to close their eyes and they think they are safe until they are not. I worry most about the disabled and the poorest of the poor. They seem to be a target. I have to applaud the many protests in other Countries that are worried for people here in the States. You make some excellent points my friend. Thank you again so much for your strength in always speaking your truth and your support. Big Hugs, Joni
Hello Joni, I don’t really have any words to express how these poems made me feel. They are very powerful.
Roberta, I am glad you took the time to read the poems. Thank you. I wrote these poems in response to the horrors and injustices I am witnessing today. It is impossible for me to bury my head in the sand or not to recognize the hate that rises around our world. I know that many people view writing as a job, but I see it as a gift of expression. Often, when I am deeply moved by what I perceive as monstrous atrocities against humanity, I feel compelled to speak out.
I watched many documentaries and also studied the information found on many sites about the first-hand accounts of how people lived, or should we say survived, during the Holocaust. I spent a month reading and probably another month revising my poems – when I finally concluded that there was no right or wrong way to express such disregard for one human by another. So I understand as it took me months to pick two versions of the five pieces I wrote about how the people who survived the camps talk about it. I am looking forward to visiting the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. It will take all the courage I have to go but I owe the people who died needlessly at the camps that much. So I completely understand your not finding words to express the way reading my words made you feel, still you read them, and hopefully it made you think of this time and how fortunate we are to be able to walk the streets somewhat safe. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you for your heart-felt tribute to those millions murdered. They must never be forgotten, nor the way they were murdered and why. “August 2025 will snow arrive” is a legitimate question at this point.
Thank you so much, Liz, for reading and your words of affirmation. I watched the documentary several times with Kitty who takes two students the same age as her back to the camp. When she talks about how death found you if you lost your food bowl, and that it was also used as a bedpan. They could clean it in the winter with snow but in the summer all there was to use was mud. I tried to put myself in her shoes and it was heart-wrenching every day for a month. Mike is such a wonderful friend as I have not been able to write lately due to what is happening around us. He is a brilliant poet and I am so grateful for his friendship. My husband and I both admire Mike so much and appreciate his raw and honest poetry. Thank you for everything you do too Liz. Have an amazing weekend. Hugs, Joni
You’re most welcome, Joni. I could tell that the poems were very tough for you to write.
The important things are never easy, it seems. Again, thank you so much for reading. It means a lot.
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This is a poignant piece of writing. So well articulated. This will stay with me for a long time.
Darlene, thank you so much for your kindness and reading this piece as I know it is not easy. Mike was so gracious to share this piece, I treasure his friendship and his amazing gift. Many blessings and happy Friday.
Oh, your writing gave me chills, Joni. Powerful and poignant. I have no other words, except that the concept of anyone denying the Holocaust is beyond appalling, to put it mildly. It’s nice to meet you through Mike though.
Thank you so much. There are indeed so many Holocaust deniers and to deny that it never happened is an unthinkable crime. Nice to meet you, Lauren. Mike is an amazingly gifted individual, and he shares a love of nature with many of us writers. I am so grateful to him for sharing my work. Thank you again and nice to meet you.
Heart-wrenching, Joni. This took my breath away. 💔
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind response. I appreciate everyone who took a moment to read this piece. I know it is difficult to read or respond to. Mike was extremely kind to share this piece. 🫶
Both were deeply loving poems. The imagery, the tone, the sense of resigned acceptance. These pieces moved me, Joni.
Nigel, my kind friend, it is always a blessing to hear from you. I felt like there were so many similarities between what happened in Nazi Germany and what is currently happening in the United States that I had to say something. I have been emotionally and poetically blocked for a long time due to the sorrow at not only the dismantling of our government but of the blatant disregard and imprisonment of poor people trying to do what anyone would do in making a better and safer future for their loved ones.
I appreciate so much you reaching out today. I am slowly trying to catch back up with all of my beloved friends online. After my next (and hopefully last for a while) procedure, which is tomorrow, I plan on reaching out to everyone online but will be taking it one day at a time. Scott and I hope to catch up with your latest work soon as it’s always such excellent writing.
With Love
Joni and Scott ❤️
I’m always happy to hear from you, my dear. Please take care, and i look forward to hearing from you soon… post procedure.
Dearest Nigel, thank you, dear friend. Your poem about Gaza blew me away. So well done and I was so grateful you put it out for humanity to read. Thank you dear Nigel. We both send our love. Hugs and blessing to the family too, our friend.
Thank you, Joni. 🥰🥰
Big hugs, Nigel 🫶
Your ability in facing pain and injustice is a gift. I find myself denying such reality. My head is in the sand more often than not unbeknownst to me. Your verses are full of anguish full of what it is to be human. Being human is so hard. Though I love theses humans dearly I find myself hating them just as much. But just you, your soul in letters are the rays of light in all that black.
Dearest Trâm, because I am such an enormous fan of your work and all those folks whose brilliant work you translate for us, this comment truly touched my heart. I understand what you say here about “Humans,” how can we not fee literally an aversion to “what we classify as “humans.” In two days here in the states there have been two mass murders and one in a church. Nature is my solace for that reason, and I love animals.
Your comment touches my heart deeply because this was the hardest subject I have ever written about. It still felt a poor example of expressing how all my countless research, documentaries studied, etc. lead me to express these feelings. There is no name for what was done to these victims except consummate evil. This is so true for so many wars, monstrous events in history of so many countries around the world. So again, thank you for your comment, “But just you, your soul in letters are the rays of light in all that black.” That is such an affirmation for me that my writing is worthwhile. Sometimes I don’t think you realize what a gift you are! By giving a voice to your own feelings but also so many poets we would never have the honor of reading if it were not for you. What you do is completely selfless. Your continued love and support for your countrymen and women is so admirable as is the talent you showcase. I can’t help but admire your extreme dedication. So thank you dear Trâm.
Heheh, now I have a big head. How will get through the door? Thank you thank you to you and your heart Joni. <3 T
I mean every word and you are so welcome. I am honored to know someone who gives so much to others. <3 <3
I probably shouldn’t have read this, Joni. I’m having a hard time dealing with everything that’s happening here, and I can’t seem to shake the despair. Just kidding about not reading though, despite how sad and desperate it makes me feel. Your poetry is exceptional: honest, visceral, moving, confrontational, compassionate, all those qualities and more blended with the perfect imagery to relay the utter cruelty and senselessness of such destruction. We have entered the Fourth Reich. where people are commodities and obstacles, tools to be used and discarded for evil’s pleasure. A lot of people won’t survive this.
Thank you for your caring heart and your courage to write this. It’s hard to call it “beautiful,” but it’s beautifully written, indeed. <3 <3
Diana, I am so sorry to hear that despair has you wrapped in her cruel claws but I cannot say I am surprised. Sometimes there comes a time when one must come forth with one’s voice regardless of the potential backlash. No one could write the magnificent books that you do with the love of nature and love of all living things, filling the pages, without literally sensing the devastation of humanity.
I am deeply touched by your gracious words and thank you for the courage it takes to respond. I was so touched by Mike’s immediate offer to repost as he and I feel the same way about the impact of what is happening. Everyone who was kind enough to like or comment was brave and I am grateful. My friend Nigel also commented as soon as he heard I had posted.
You are right we are indeed in the fourth Reich. Birthright citizenship will be next and leaving the people in prison who just want a better life for their families is a cruelty that sickens me. You said it perfectly. “A lot of people will not survive.” I hope your garden brings you joy still. I now have a porch garden and watch our hummingbirds and Does with their new fawns in our yard. That brings me peace. 🤗
Hugs, my friend. <3 <3
Protect that tender heart of yours. Big hugs back, my friend. <3 <3 <3
You always make me smile.
Same, my friend. <3 <3 <3
Both poems are powerful and poignant. Brilliant writing, Joni! 👏👏♥️♥️
Sending you lots of love and big hugs, my dear friend 🥰🤗🌸
Dearest Bianca, you are such a wonderful friend. I appreciate you reading even though I have been silent until now, because I am overwhelmed by the mass amounts of crazy in our world right now. Deaths, imprisonment, shipping people out of the Country, including Costa Rica, my blessing of a friend, Karima, told me that they don’t like having the prisons there any more than they like them in Florida.
I am going to try and read more as I have been touched by the response. Mike graciously reposted the post. He has also spoken up, and I saw that Cindy has even protested. WOW, I am just so proud of people, and it takes courage. Thank you again my friend. Your writing is so beautiful and I hope to read more of my favorite writers, if I can just encourage myself to do so. Love you, sweet Bianca.
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It’s always a pleasure to read your poems, dearest Joni ♥️🥰🌹.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words!
I love you too, Joni!
Sending you love and blessings 🤗💗🫶
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Powerful and heart wrenching. I’ve returned to read this piece again, and notice that my earlier comment never registered. At times my browser seems to have a mind of its own, and will not allow me to “like” a post or record a comment. Please, forgive me and know that I value your work highly, Joni. Sending you much love, A. <3 <3 <3
Dearest Anna, I noticed that you liked my piece, and the fact that you took the time to read it meant a great deal to me. You are such an articulate writer, and your friendship means the world to me. I am so glad that you found it powerful. It took me two months and so many versions, and I felt so inadequate to write a piece about something that was so horrid and took so many innocent lives. To take humans and try to take all their humanity away immediately, which they certainly did try with the taking away of their names and replacing them with painful numbers, and killing their children. I listened to survivors and cried till my face was swollen and felt inadequate to write anything about these amazing souls. Yet, I had to do something, as our world is changing around us again in the most frightening way and I am stuck in a place of sorrow. Writing this helped and Mike was so kind to repost this for me. Thank you dear Anna for your support and your beautiful contributions on-line. Hugs and much love coming your way my friend.