Jacob’s Poem

Poem written by Jacob Hennenberg, 2000
Recording by the Face to Face Program, 2006
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My Eyes Have Seen

by Jacob Hennenberg

 

On September First

Nineteen Thirty Nine

Our lives had changed

Including mine.

 

We thought the storm would pass

And go away

It became obvious that it would stay.

 

With pain and hurt

I had to leave my home

And leave my family

There all alone.

 

I wound up in a place

Of blood and tears

In deep disillusionment

And with great fears.

 

Numbers, numbers, numbers

Went through my mind

I must stay alive

Not fall too far behind.

 

People had sad faces

They all looked the same

Their eyes were half closed

And no one had a name.

 

I dreamed of sunny places

And wind blew through my hair

I tried to talk about my dream

But no one seemed to care.

 

This was long ago

To my surprise

I tried to find my world

But smoke got in my eyes.

 

Then the sun came out

And the sky was very clear

The day of liberation was finally here.

 

Getting rid of our fears

Pain and despair

Realizing someone somewhere

Really did care.

 

Starting life anew

With great expectations

Creating a family

And new generations.

 

We overcame the problems

That life was bringing.

For me and my family

The birds again are singing.

 

I am thankful to this country

For opening the gate

And for giving me the opportunity

To fight prejudice and hate

 

In my lifetime

My eyes have seen

The worst and the best of human beings.