Antwerp to Cleveland 1938 - 1945

- Stream of Consciousness -

Fled Vienna to Antwerp - 1938,
War in Europe - 1939,
Hitler's legions on the march,
Europe in flames,
Save the children!
Only children with affidavits and
Rich uncles in USA admitted,
All others - into gas chambers,
Last boat out of Antwerp
Filled with children with affidavits
And rich uncles in America,
Tearful goodby with parents,
Will I ever see them again?
(My boat sank by U boats
On way back to Europe),
Lucky me - to meet cowboys,
Indians and gangsters in
Gold-lined American streets,
Coming to America - stay with
Rich uncle and his eight children,
See no cowboys, Indians, gold
Or gangsters in Cleveland,
Everybody running - don't know
Why or whereto,
Problem - I don't speak English.
But I will learn real soon,
Love America - it's a good, free land,
Americans are nice, caring people,
I was saved and I will manage!

Alfred Charasz
Copyright 2007 Alfred Charasz