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Julia Bernstein
Although they say all fear is gone
when standing by its side,
no way exists for one to know
what lies beneath the tide.
From placid waves and salty wind
with colors bright and blue,
to shrieking sharks that radiate
an eerie, ominous hue.
The shark itself amuses me;
his goal is not to harm,
yet still I am afraid of him,
and fail to see his charm.
Abandoning my simple fear,
I plunge my head and stare.
A chill runs down my rigid spine
as I become aware.
I drag myself to meet his face
and stare him in the eyes,
and only then I comprehend
That he is my disguise.
Blurry Night
Cecilia Lopez-Jordan (FilmPhotograph)
Answer me, I called,
Shouting at his face.
I wanted him to listen,
But he just stared out into space.
Hear me, I said,
Screaming at him now.
I wondered if he could,
Or maybe just couldn’t somehow.
I just need you to trust me,
Believe in what I say.
If you do not reply to me,
I just don’t see a way.
Your blank look nowmocks me,
It sneers in sheer confusion.
My words are true and pure,
Your world a mere illusion.
The Soldiers are on their way now,
You all must run and hide!
Mothers, fathers, children too,
Run now, side by side.
Your fates are all dim, you see,
A gray cloud of puff and smoke.
I wish you’d just confide in me,
For my concern is not a joke.
Take pride in yourselves and those golden stars,
They now follow your every choice.
Be one group, together unite,
One strong and single voice.
With this in mind, you must be brave,
Go fight for those you love.
Have mercy dear God, Please be kind,
Guide us from up above.
Through the wire, over the gate,
There lies a magic land.
Where boys and girls, Jew or not,
All stand hand in hand.
We will never be forgotten,
And neither will this day.
This will forever be remembered,
“Brave hearts” they’ll always say.
Abby Davis