One Night, in Berlin

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 13 Jan 2024
  • 1121 reads
14 comments
 

A very dark night
in Berlin in 1938.

The Moon
isn't shining
but the light
from the lantern
under which
Lilli Marlene stands
is bright.

In a nearby cabaret
Sally Bowles
will do her act
at midnight exact
watched by rich men
with gold watches
on a fob.

Outside, in the streets,
a violent mob,
en masse,
pursues the Jews
and massacre ensues

A night 
that is known
as the kristallnacht,
the night of
the broken glass.

The brownshirts,
bold as brass,
carry out an act
that is crass:
they smash shops
left and right
with unrelenting hate.

It is a dark night
in Berlin in 1938.

 

 

© Luigi Pagano 2024

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Historical Fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by D G Moody on

What was that saying 'for evil to exist it only takes good people to do nothing' or words to that effect. A timely poem Luigi.

Dougie Moody

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks, Dougie. Much obliged to you for reading and commenting.

Luigi

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

A nicely done IP response Luigi - if only people did learn lessons. It seems not!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The same thought occurred to me, Claudine. Judging by what is happening nowadays all over the world, history doesn't seem to make an impact. Thank you for reading this rant of mine that I hoped would serve as a reminder of past atrocities.

Best wishes and thanks for the cherries.

Luigi

http://gigipagano.wixsite.com/mysite

 

Submitted by Turlough on

A terrible story, a sharp reminder and a well written poem.

Nice one Luigi!

Turlough

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thank you, Turlough. Judging by current events, there is a danger that such occurrences may be deemed to be 'water under the bridge'. Let's hope that one day mankind learn to live in harmony.

Best wishes, Luigi

 

http://gigipagano.wixsite.com/mysite

 

Submitted by Nolan on

How beautiful the song Luigi it was the unofficial anthem of the war, all the armies sang as a marching song, the english french dutch, german italian russian every army had the same song and translations of the words. Just listen to the words- when we are marching through the mud and cold, and my pack is more than I can hold, my thoughts of you regain my might I'm strong again my pack is light.

In the end we are all very much the same, have a good day & Nolan

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello Nolan. You are absolutely right. The song 'Lili Marlene' became popular during World War 2 and was favourite. with all armies. One version sung by Marlene Dietrich was very successful.

Best wishes

Luigi

http://gigipagano.wixsite.com/mysite

 

Submitted by Nolan on

Yes, in fact originally a German song. See you & Nolan

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

yes

 

Submitted by marandina on

"It is a dark night
in Berlin in 1938."

You capture a sense of foreboding in one of the grimmest periods of history. This is a night of the utmost infamy. Your poem captures it so well,Luigi. Keep well. Paul

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello, Paul. This is another instance where the epithet 'lest we forget' seems appropriate.

Luigi

 
http://gigipagano.wixsite.com/mysite

 

Submitted by Kris on

Class, In describing the events, place & time + writing style....

 A relevant issue of the present ....

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Many thanks for your kind response, Kris. Spot on.

Best, Luigi