RIP

Requiescat in pace, may you rest in peace
Have you rested that way now without surcease?

Your life was destroyed, from your stone we can tell
We can see without doubt that you went through hell

From Dachau to Auschwitz you suffered it all
Jews, Gipsies, JWs; - you went to the wall

Hungarians, Poles, man, woman and child
Millions in Europe defeated, defiled

Your beliefs and your lives were treated as nought
Your only recourse now, a much higher court

No grave can we see and the place is unknown
Just your memory remains engraved on this stone

Shalom to each one in your final release
Requiescat in pace, may you all rest in peace!

WW

I did not like the opening but the rest of the poem worked well for me. Although every word fits as it should be it just seems awkward especially the second stanza. I still like the overall poem.

Hi Rico

Thanks for your comment.

I can't change the first line because that confirms the title.

RIP is Requiescat In Pace (par-kay) which is Latin for Rest In Peace

I'm happy to work work on the second line, surcease is a bit clumsy.

Third line seems straightforward but line 4, perhaps would be more accurate with a change to:

We now know without doubt....

What do you think?

WW

I like it as it is, WW except for surcease. Nice.

NW

Wonderful Wonderful Poem...Unlike Rico, I could tell your opening was in another language...the sentiment is still surreal. Public persecution of people because of race, color and creed is wrong anywhere and everywhere...If you don't stand for something...you will fall for anything...WW as always...thanks for sharing!

This piece obviously struck a chord. Thank you QT

Persecution is detestable. I never could get my head around a commandant overseeing the deaths of 25,000 Jews in one day, then going home and playing with his kids and dogs. That's just plain twisted, demonic.

Rico and NW thank you too for your appreciation.

WW