Literature Circle Extension ProjectPoems and pictures of Mishas life in the Warsaw Ghetto

By Madelyn SutcliffeLanguage Arts and TechnologyFall 2006Professor Susan Silverman

The Wall

Standing upright Ever vigilantLocked by dayFree at night Searching for lifeHiding from deathMaking no noiseHolding my breath

Free as a birdBut chained by loveAs angels stand byStone eyes from above

The RideTwirling swirling keeping strideHorses whirling side by sideRound and round through cold and snowGreedy eyes watch the showGirls with gold hairThey gaze and they stareAt boy with brown skin, brown eyes and brown hairAlways a watcher Never a rideBeautiful swift mountWith cold dead eyes

FamilyNever belonging, never knowingFathers laugh, mothers sewingNames for all, but not for youUnwanted, unkempt, not even a Jew

Fertile soil, but never growLots to eat, no weeds to hoeThen rocky soil, but faces smileOpen arms to embrace a child

The flower bloomsIn conditions bareDuring cold dark monthsA family to share

JackbootsDeceit in leatherStraight and tall Ever gleaming, ever shiningLong way to fall

Power emittingAuthority untoldSeducing a nationBy actions so bold

Evil in wordLoyalty aboundsThey march in timeRhythmic in sound