Poem Analysis: Marathon Of War

Marathons in War

This poem takes place during World War II.
It is through the eyes of a girl who lost her family to the Nazis.
She is pushed forward by the sight of her sister’s last smile.

I’m running, racing nearly out of breath,
But I won’t stop, for help is closer with each step.
My family is gone, I’m not lost but I’m alone,
I wish I could go back to the place I once called home.

As the memories flood in, my heart fills with woe;
Though now it’s impossible to tell who’s friend or foe.
I stop, and it all comes back in a flash,
All mixed emotions—enough to stop my mad dash.

The first sign was against my father, a successful yet humble man
Robbed, then beaten, found on the street, on his chest a metal can.
On the can, was a sign so
black, red, and bright;
When my mother saw this, it took her smile that could light a thousand lights.

Later I learned, it was all because he was a Jew;
I wondered why my parents didn’t tell me, for I was sure they knew.
One by one, memories flood in;
As I recall their deaths, I realize these “Nazis” have committed great sins.

It all happened so fast, I didn’t know what to do;
I was joyful coming home from the fields; in my hand, my worn-out shoes
A little while away, I froze and hid in the trees, chiding myself with a “hush.”
I saw my family herded out like animals in a rush.

My sister’s eyes locked with mine, she nodded then gave me a smile;
A secret that I’ll always keep, I won’t forget it in a while.
I turned around, dropped my shoes, and began to run;
Faster and faster I went, for I knew my war would soon be won.

I’m running, racing nearly out of breath,
But I won’t stop, for help is closer with each step.