Vox Populi
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Rose Mary Boehm: Words for the Unspeakable
“The Nazi persecution of the Jews began with hateful words, escalated to discrimination and dehumanization, and culminated in genocide.” The United States Holocaust Museum
~
Cursed are those who would build their homes
on soil forced to fold over thousands and thousands
of bodies, the decaying flesh of brothers.
Ghosts are already rising, singing their silent song
of loss; accusing, whispering, searching, blinded,
for their olive tree.
Insubstantial children, ugly holes in what were
their heads, pointing transparent fingers:
You wilfully set to kill our people’s future.
Eternal stains on genocidal hearts are slowly spreading,
and the malevolent storm that rose from hatred
devours ALL in its path.
Come next spring the anemones
will again be red.
~~~~
Rose Mary Boehm is a German-born British national living and writing in Lima, Peru. Her fourth poetry collection, THE RAIN GIRL, was published by Chaffinch Press in 2020.
Copyright 2024 Rose Mary Boehm
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Boehm’s “Words for the Unspeakable” does what neither journalists nor historians can do. Her poem removes the wall between truth and beauty, and thereby, through exact words and precise phrasing, force us to face squarely the bestial half of our human nature. This is the poetry of witness. Some people drop 2000 pound bombs on tent encampments full of displaced, starving families. Other people, rather than scream forever into the void, write about “the unspeakable,” as Boehm so compellingly and courageously does here. Thank you, Rose Mary Boehm.
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Powerful.
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Yes, it is.
>
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What a powerful but true poem. What is the matter with people who allow this to continue?
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Dear poet friend, Rose Mary
May the anemones uplift from death to blossom once again, helpers reminding us of regeneration, mixing the broken worlds of memory with hope.
Out of rubble, a color-patch of peace and justice, while we never forget our loss.
May your heart flower with more of your powerful words. Remind us, remind us. Thanks for helping us remind others too.
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How beautiful, Jim. Thank you.
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