Mordkhe (Mordechai) Gebirtig
Once I had a home, a warm safe place
a bit of furnishings like poor people have
securely fastened roots of a tree
I had tied to my poverty
Once I had a home, a place with a kitchen
and lived there quietly years long
had many dear good friends with me
a home filled with love and songs
Then came those with anger death and hate
my poor dear little home
that I had worked so hard for many years to keep safe
They broke in and destroyed it in just one day
They came in with rage and fury
chased us out of the city with wife and child
left us without a home like birds without a nest
not knowing what sins?
Once I had a home but now it is no more
for them it was a game my agony
I’m looking for another home, so hard
I don’t know whose or for how long it can be…
Łagiewniki, May 1941
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