POETRY FROM HELL

WARSAW GHETTO POEMS FROM THE RINGELBLUM ARCHIVES

Moishe Kaufman: My Last Request

My Last Request
by Moishe Kaufman

Peacefully, I want to die
on the breast of my beloved
when the red hued sky,
sadly mourns the dying day.
2
When the sun sinks in final flames
tired, weak from wrestling death,
then I’ll want to be with her
and sing for her with my last breath.
3
When the sky veiled in black
will surround the world with sorrow
then let my heart open
to disclose my sacred feelings.
4
Accompanying me are stars
and a sad song from afar
and the tears of my beloved
bring me to peace, eternal rest.
5
Let her come to me
each morning before sunrise,
cloaked in sadness and black flowers
Let her place them on my grave.
6
Then let flow the pearly tears
of longing on cold stone,
and in my grave I will hear
my beloved’s tender weeping.
7
Let her cry be quiet, softly,
her sad sounds shall open my grave
and let her tears flow over me
(last line missing)