FOR INGEBORG BACHMANN
IN MEMORY
(1926-1973)

NOVEMBER, 1936

Banished by decree
neighbors vanish with sorrows
crushed by every degree
that Germany rushed through
with its loud slogans and guns
for fascism's blighted cause
in its law's emergency
as proud guards are swaggering
outside on crystal night
passing out their stars
laughing at other citizens
long suffering,
by a lost cat
a few children
on their parent's laboring knees
praying for any mercy
to live out this day or tomorrow,
few speak for democracy
at the coming winter's freeze.