Poem: I Am That Child

This is a poem by 81-year old Berkeley-area poet Arthur Weil that addresses his experiences in the Holocaust--he survived as a child, coming to America via an ocean liner at age 12.
I'm helping Arthur get his poetry "out there". Please e-mail me at [email protected] with any feedback that I can pass on to him, or if you're interested in getting a hold of some of his books--since age 70, he has self-published 10 collections.
Quite the impressive guy, and poet!


I Am That Child
I am that child
- A flashback, I can see
That skinny 12 year old – that’s me
I am that child
Same stirring brain
Same piercing eyes
I am that child again
With ghosts of yesterday – so near
Inside, explore – haunting memory so dear

Yes, I am that child
Molded, scolded
“Always, tell the truth!
Work hard – good grades
Obey – believe!
Schma Yisroel, Adomay Elaohanu, Adonai Echod
Believe, believe in only one great God”
My feelings strong and sound
A youth, in spite of all, I hold my ground

I am that child
“Yes, Mutti, I will obey”
Your mores, values mine
On this and every day
My people’s belief
Chiseled, into my very being
Mysterious, seeking, most divine
An aberration by design.

I am that child
Fearful, the mocking sound
“Jude, Jude!” (Jew!)
Everywhere the ominous red swastika flags
Demeaning news broadcast: Jude, “Israel” Jude, thief, crook, cheater
Heil – Heil – the sea of raised arms
Clicking heels – in unison the roar of crowds
Inhibited – I ask: “Am I really a 3rd class nobody?”
I, the innocent boy – what is happening?
“Do I still count? Do I still rate?”
Everywhere the evil aura of blind (ignorant) hate
Hasse (hate) die Rasse (the race) – Juden Raus!

I am that child
Birthday cake, Chanuka candles, Pfefferminz,
Maikafer, Lakritze, Mazipan, Blaubeeren
Rosinen, Schokoladen, Kuchen, Sabbath candles, Sukkoth, Passover

I am that child whose wings were clipped
That child, in love, American shipped.
Those wings now healed, I fly again.
The ugly scar – so evident always to remain.

I AM THAT CHILD
With combat engineers, fought in the European campaign
Made sure the Nazi hordes would never rise bagain
GI Bill grateful – 5 years of college
As public school teacher, entrepreneur, I make the best of knowledge

I am that child, spared, stateside sent
Longing, full of music, accomplishment
Patron to the theater, the symphony and art
Rainbow colors, writer, admire nature’s beauty, to all I’m a part
Inquisitive, active, curious,
Yet daily injustice still makes me furious
So full of love – With deep conviction I believe
To share, to give, and to receive

I am that child,
A walking, talking treasure trove
A living legacy, I overcame, I am good
American – and full of pride
My sense of humor hemmed inside
A solid citizen, I radiate in freedom
(Magnanimous, do my good deeds
My offspring, honest, conscious of all human needs)
Yet thankful, touch of humility
Exude new warmth, reach out, I love this world.
I am that child.
If in the maelstrom of arrest been stuck
1 and ½ million kids perished –
So mine was more than luck
I am a product of my heritage proud of my faith
Part of mankind, a polygot, no master race
I am unique – I am me, I am so glad
Alive, right here – never, never to forget
Too many of my brethren into torture chambers fed
In spite of it all, life precious (in my veins and blood)
Vibrant, hopeful – I love mankind
And I thank you, good people in this world
As together into the 21st century, we are hurled

I am that child!

we should never forget the holocaust. great poem. the world is ****ed up. but so beautifully nevertheless.

a droning procession of cliches, all animated by an attractive upbeat rhythm. this poem is the result of a classic ad from some vanity publisher, books i don't intend to buy anytime soon.