By Borys Zinger

I wish to have good news,
And because it’s lacking,
I’m compelled to turn to the blues
By neat conception making.
I try to hold on to happiness,
Aim to hum a song from the old times.
It’s a reminiscence from a bequest,
A run from loneliness at my best.
I knew a variety of people’s names,
I want to commemorate their merits -
Golden minds deserving fame.
With their absence, a loss of the spirit…
I can mention just a few,
Many, many more are left in sad blues:
Professor Anhalt, for music and songs,
Professor Draiblat, a linguistics scholar,
Specializing in Hebrew,
Dr. Osiash Dym – the versatile one among us -
They are a small sample of our national pride.
I am proud to be one who knew them.
The Nazis’ goal was to extinguish our livelihood.
An evil-minded group with criminal intent.
On my life’s path, I’ve met Johns and James’,
Stnislaws, Vladimirs, Nikitas and, also, SIMchas’ -
Various tribes and races, afraid of the Nazis.
Yes, I’m old, but do not think me bold.
In fact, as a residual, I could serve
All of you, even if only for observation.
Let my modest person be an expression
For Humanity to be given the rights they deserve!
The world we live in is quite arrogant -
By temerity and rudeness and obvious harm,
Even (half) friendly nations, prefer to lose
Their boasted charm, and aim to bemuse
Vigorously and impudently, the black Muse!

BZ 9.1.09