Suffering

War like a lightning bolt
had struck hard on us
We lay wounded 
after an irrecoverable loss.

After lighting came thunder
as applauses for an orator
A war hero rose to power
promising a new world order.

He blamed us for the loss
called us conspirators 
Formed armies for war
turned young men into looters.

We were forced into hell
by armed men in uniforms
With false hopes and faith
we moved head on in a storm.

Segregation was the first blow
weak from the visibly strong
They walked into the chambers 
And as ashes they came out.

Some hid papers, photos
But mostly fear
We exchanged them 
for soup and sometimes mercy.

We worked tirelessly for
bread, soup and a cigarette
Hoped it would all end
And we would one day forget.

Some lost their hopes
walked like free men
Gave away their soups to others
And waited for the inevitable end.

Life after camps found new meaning 
Freedom was now overwhelming 
Never a thought of regret or pain
Surely it was worth the Suffering.