Mrs Cohen comes to America

David Wakeling

 

Mrs Cohen was a survivor of the holocaust. She came out of Auschwitz
in 1945. I meet her in 1948 when she was 67 years old.
 She wanted to go swimming so we went to lake George. These are
my impressions of her feelings.

Mrs Cohen goes swimming in Lake George.

“Please darling hold my hand. I do not want to fall.
Oh the water is so clear like a mirror in the hall.
The water is cold. The water is like God isn’t it.
God lets us suffer doesn’t he. Oh it tickles doesn’t it.

Don’t let me go sweet heart I have not been swimming for years.
Can I stop for a moment to talk to God about my fears.
Okay  the water is up to my ankles. Oh it is divine.
Such a hot day and this day is mine.

Even God will not take this day away from me.
Oh don’t splash me the water is cold.
Please promise you will not splash me.

When I was a little girl I used to splash my sister.
I am sorry I did that then. Now she is gone. I cannot say sorry.

Oh darling the water is up to my waist. I can paddle around now.
Oh look I am a fish. No I am a dolphin. Swimming like a dolphin.
Oh dear God this is joyous. Cold and warm at the same time.

Now the sun is going down and I am in America.


  • Author: David Wakeling (Offline Offline)
  • Published: February 24th, 2025 02:03
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 13
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments +

Comments4

  • arqios

    Simple but profound, singular but branches out, tackles without effort the substance of life during challenging seasons. πŸ™πŸ»πŸ•ŠοΈ

    • David Wakeling

      Thank you so much for that kind critique.

      • arqios

        You’re most welcome πŸ™πŸ»πŸ•ŠοΈ

      • sorenbarrett

        Where the mind goes and how it works or not when it has suffered too much. My uncle was with General Patton when he entered Germany and they were the first to liberate one of the concentration camps, he aid the he will never forget the smell and the vision of suffering there. A simple write in many ways but so complex below the surface. Very well done

        • David Wakeling

          That is an amazing story about your uncle.The war was just Hell for the jews.Thank you for reading and commenting

        • Poetic Licence

          Very profound writing of the feelings of a lady who survived in hell, beautifully expressed

        • Goldfinch60

          Wonderful words David showing that all can be fine even after absolute devastation has occurred.

          Andy

          • David Wakeling

            Yes that is very true. Thanks for your consideration



          To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.