Leaving Jerusalem 

Jared Beloff

Inside a cattle-car
I left Jerusalem,
To Lodz, to Chelmno,
To Hoellenfeuer, and Asche.

My blood washed away-
Churning and dissolving
In the scalding currents
Of a silent river of tears-
Washing down across concrete floors
And into the drains of Gas Chambers.

Away-Away from home,
Away from Jerusalem
And the Star of David-
Who will light the Menorah?
Or fill Elijah's Cup?
The wine has gone bitter,
It tastes like blood
My tongue is shriveled-Starving.

Midnight has come again
And Lambs blood covers
Our humble doors.
God did not pass over
And are we the first born?
Or the Lambs whose Crimson
Stains the houses of Europe?

Once more I am inside
A cattle-car-Cold and Swift,
Looking out between iron bars-
Like a hopeless staring leper
 Waiting for his eyes to shut,
Or for the dark to come and fill them.

Yet, in my mind is a prayer-
A recitation of the past
And a blessing to a Jerusalem
I can no longer see,
And my relief will arrive
When I do-
Upon the foot of Mt. Sinai,
The path to Canaan.