They're forcing us to play
something
romantic and sweet
so the lineup
will keep moving
as they shuffle their feet.
I summon my courage
and remaining strength
in order to play
trying to forget
the same thing happened
to other prisoners only yesterday.
I stop this serenade
with my violin
and drop the bow.
Dear God you didn't tell me.
How was I supposed to know
but there she is in that lineup
and I thought my wife
was dead.
They're taking her away
to a place
I truly dread.
I am suddenly whipped
and ordered to play
once more
and yet here is my wife
whom I cannot
ignore.
She never looks up
with her eyes
on the cold hard ground.
I doubt she can even
hear
any musical sound.
Bitter tears stain my hands
and I let the violin
slip.
I'm losing my wife in this moment
but I have to get
a grip.
On my knees
I am defenceless
with a gun pointed at me.
I dare not look up
although I pray
to be free.
Several shots are fired
and then I'm standing
with my young bride.
Oh how lovely she looks
kneeling
by my side.
We exchange our vows
and the families offer
a toast.
I play this violin
for the one
I love the most.
Instead
she is pushed forward slowly
to her imminent death.
At Auschwitz
we remained as lovers
to the very last breath.
**********************************************
something
romantic and sweet
so the lineup
will keep moving
as they shuffle their feet.
I summon my courage
and remaining strength
in order to play
trying to forget
the same thing happened
to other prisoners only yesterday.
I stop this serenade
with my violin
and drop the bow.
Dear God you didn't tell me.
How was I supposed to know
but there she is in that lineup
and I thought my wife
was dead.
They're taking her away
to a place
I truly dread.
I am suddenly whipped
and ordered to play
once more
and yet here is my wife
whom I cannot
ignore.
She never looks up
with her eyes
on the cold hard ground.
I doubt she can even
hear
any musical sound.
Bitter tears stain my hands
and I let the violin
slip.
I'm losing my wife in this moment
but I have to get
a grip.
On my knees
I am defenceless
with a gun pointed at me.
I dare not look up
although I pray
to be free.
Several shots are fired
and then I'm standing
with my young bride.
Oh how lovely she looks
kneeling
by my side.
We exchange our vows
and the families offer
a toast.
I play this violin
for the one
I love the most.
Instead
she is pushed forward slowly
to her imminent death.
At Auschwitz
we remained as lovers
to the very last breath.
**********************************************