Stamped

One day a workman
Threw a piece into a wagon
a stampede
dozens of starving men
fought to death
for a few crumbs
Germans look in on the spectacle
bread has fallen
real battled men
on top of each other
stomping each other tearing each other
beasts of prey
animal hatred in their eyes
vitality seized
then sharpening teeth and nails
a crowd
workmen curious
spectators on the side of the train
never seen such a cargo
bread being dropped
audience stared
skeletons of men fighting to the death
for a mouthful piece
I would never have the strength to fight
With a dozen savage men
not far away
an old man trying to disengage
from the struggle held one hand to his heart
thought he had received a blow to the chest
a bit of bread under his shirt
remarkable speed
excitement was immediately extinguished
a shadow just loomed near him
threw itself upon him
fell to the ground
stunned with blows
an old man cried Meir you recognize me I’m your father
you’re killing your father
got some bread for you
he collapsed
fist clenched around some bread
tried carry to his mouth
old man whispered
let out a rattle and died
son devoured it
not able to get very far
men hurled themselves upon him
side by side
father and son
-G.G.