Crushing heat, the stench goes on for days
Food is scarce, but the oppressive solitude
Wears far worse.
Hundreds of marks on the wall
Count the clock’s tireless journey.
You are not forgotten.
A mother’s glance happens upon a gold ribbon.
Tears spring to her eyes, unbidden,
Yet not unwelcome.
The father refuses to work on the car;
Restoration is not a solo project.
Sisters long for their protector, their friend.
You are not forgotten.
The young beauty, pledged for eternity
Yet only just begun
Has matched four years of bliss
With four of despair.
A babe’s first words are not “Dada,”
Because Dada is not known.
You are not forgotten
