My mother is gone
My father too
I cannot find my sister and brother
They are hungry and do not sleep
I know because I hear them crying
Although I do not know where they are
Their sobs have the rhythm of waves
Of the sea we left behind with our childhood
In truth all I hear now
Are shutting doors
Clanging metal fences and
The sound of men’s laughter
At night I ask the darkness–
Why have you taken everyone I love?
When will this journey end that I make even in my sleep?
When will day come and hope and kindness?
I speak to the stars
Although they do not know me
Or hear me
I have a name I tell them
My sister and brother have names
Will you write them down somewhere
So I will remember
Because I am afraid
Those who have taken everything
Will take my memory too
The night so full of absence
Brings no hope or comfort
All I have
Is the touch of remembrance
And the stars weaving my story.