wrapped in darkness, tall grass around me
train wheels clanging in the distance
going further away from me
on a ride straight into hell
where am I?
this is Gretl's last thought as she drifts off into oblivion
voices, muffled yet distinct
strange aromas wafting through my dreams
I think I recall traveling through the night
strong arms held me safe as tender words calmed my fears
now all I feel is soft and warm
but with an ache that flows from deep within
rooster crowing, is that horses I hear?
sounds of people moving about and a voice
oh, I remember now, crooning words against my ear
"you're safe, sweet child; I won't let them hurt you"
but where is Grandmama, what will become of her?
maybe I'll just lay here for a while and wait...
fourteen years have passed and six year old Gretl is now
Grietjie, studying at University in South Africa
wrapped in the softness of a moonlit night in spring
touching a cross that nestles between her breasts
thoughts traveling back to a small farm in Poland
and her beautiful Jacob, her protector, her friend
if wishes were reality he would be here with her now
to still the ache that flows from deep within
Author notes
I decided to write from Gretl's thoughts the first morning after Jacob took her home. I can see a small series of poems coming from this story maybe.
A contest entry
- Train Stations...not just another sad World War 2 story. by Daizy21.
700 points, ended February 10, 2008, 7 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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This is beautiful...please let me know if you write more about this story!Thank you for your entry!
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Thank you, I am happy that you thought it beautiful. There was so much in your telling of the story that I really was inspired to delve a little deeper into the idea. I will be sure to send a link when I write the next part.
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