Holocaust Day 2002 - A Poem
Holocaust Day 2002
by Dr. Roi Ankhkara Kwabena
Birmingham Poet Laureate 2001-2002
In silence
let us reflect
on past vile mistakes
grave errors of judgement
that still evoke pain
senseless violence against innocent
souls. In hope
let us now
never allow differences to cloud
our lucid vision of
better seasons when hope an' prayer
turns into peaceful bliss. Never
will we direct our anger
against humanity ... for our future
on this planet ... our survival. As long as
there be understanding
let reality of purpose be our collective focus.
Sensitive plants have sprouted
where flames once
scorched earth
tears of joy replace hapless fear
we are again entrusted with new responsibilities
this day. As long
as we keep on this journey
with understanding for energy
bearing gifts of diversity
to celebrate
unity
equality
DIALOGUE instead of FORCE
as we ferry memories still
of those who strove and fell
this silence commands us to appreciate
divinity within each other
for their memories are sacred
their cries will never go unheard
and our children
will remember
so today - PEACE
understanding
patience in harmony we bequeath
by Dr. Roi Ankhkara Kwabena
Birmingham Poet Laureate 2001-2002
In silence
let us reflect
on past vile mistakes
grave errors of judgement
that still evoke pain
senseless violence against innocent
souls. In hope
let us now
never allow differences to cloud
our lucid vision of
better seasons when hope an' prayer
turns into peaceful bliss. Never
will we direct our anger
against humanity ... for our future
on this planet ... our survival. As long as
there be understanding
let reality of purpose be our collective focus.
Sensitive plants have sprouted
where flames once
scorched earth
tears of joy replace hapless fear
we are again entrusted with new responsibilities
this day. As long
as we keep on this journey
with understanding for energy
bearing gifts of diversity
to celebrate
unity
equality
DIALOGUE instead of FORCE
as we ferry memories still
of those who strove and fell
this silence commands us to appreciate
divinity within each other
for their memories are sacred
their cries will never go unheard
and our children
will remember
so today - PEACE
understanding
patience in harmony we bequeath
©all rights reserved
Roi Kwabena - Birmingham's Poet Laureate 2001 - 2002
Holocaust Memorial Day - recommended reading list
Holocaust Memorial Day - A booklist for young people
Web sites about the Holocaust
A poem for Holocaust Memorial Day by Matt Windle, Young Poet Laureate
A poem for Holocaust Memorial Day by Helen Monks, Young Poet Laureate
Poem for Holocaust Memorial Day by Jennifer Brough-Young Poet Laureate
Menorah - a poem sequence for Holocaust Memorial Day 2005