Poetry and Prose from the Center for Writers
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On the Road to Dachau
by TANJA NATHANAEL
One might think that it was always
Winter here; an
Egg-white sun smeared like milk
Across the sky.
The World leans in with its careful
Reminders and
Peers through the glass with a
Critical Eye.
In the median, tomatoes grow
instead of weeds;
In the lots, VWi, Mercedes,
prices besserii guaranteed;
Im Karlsfeld, ein Labyrinthiii,
in corn, im Maisiv.
The World leans in with its careful
Reminders and
Peers through the glass with a
Critical Eye.
Gladiolas and sunflowers,
Blumen selber schneiderv;
Einkaufparkvi: All you need is here!
Schwimmen am spielcentervii;
McDonald's: Ich liebe es!viii
Burgers and fries.
The World leans in with its careful
Reminders and
Peers through the glass with a
Critical Eye.
One might think that there would be more
Phantoms here; a
Trail of breadcrumbs,
or of blood,
or of stones.
But there are only flowers and
The rain falling ever
gently,
gently,
On glass homes.
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i VW in German is pronounced "Fau-vey."
ii better
iii In Karl's Field, a labyrinth
iv Corn
v Cut your own flowers
vi Shopping mall
vii Swimming at the recreation center
viii McDonald's marketing slogan: "I love it!"
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