SHEFFORD

Are you coming to Shefford with me?
Families broken apart – taken away
Where the river flows ‘long the green
Mothers torn from their children
And the shutters of small, white painted houses
ASHES –SOAP BARS – YELLOW STAR

Ruffle their curtains and sway with the breeze
What remains …… but a memory ……
Freshly cut grass – abundance of flowers
They’re coming, they’re choosing – what if it’s me?

Every petal dampened by dew
I’m scared, I’m hungry, my mouth is dry
Across from the haystack – a garden of colors
Hiding in haystacks – ‘talis’ and ‘tefilin’

The deepest of RED – the softest of ‘blue’
No more song…… no strength to pray ………
A row of shops, elderly merchants
Trains are traveling – human cargo
In each window, a can filled with treats
Scarred faces…… SULLEN …… and ‘SUNK’

One little boy licks on a lolly
No expression, no will to live
While Mother fills her basket with sweets
Maybe the dead have it better
Out in the field, a school bell is ringing
Whistles shrill, at the blink of an eyelash, a wail

And the children giggle with fun
Gone are the thousands – gone with the sun
The clouds are “PUFFED” – the sun sort of misty ….
PANIC – CONFUSION – OH, HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?

Hinting signs, ‘the day will be done’
Piles of ashes …… pillars of smoke
Grandmother rocks, pussy is sleeping – SHHH!
“Run away, child, the link of our family you are”

And the night’s as calm as the day
We are just “numbers” but you’ll carry on
She sips her tea and munches on pastry
“Run, child, faster – for the sake of your father!”
She rolls up her yarn and puts it away
“Never forget the face of your mother”
The cottage “STILL” – the wind is a whisper ……

I’ve heard there are children who still bear a smile
And the children dream with the moon
Where are these children? Take me to them!!!!
Another day in the history of Shefford
​
SAVE ME! BROTHERS! HELP ME BE FREE!
Familiar sounds and similar tune
I live for the sake of my family ………