Shoes

[vwalla]

Hi folks.
I don't have a poem re Babies' shoes as such but this memorial in Budapest was very moving for me
Val W

[SHOES OF SHAME .© June 2010

The Memorial of Shoes on the Danube Promenade was created by Gyula Pauer and Can Togay on the bank of the Danube River in Budapest. It honors the Jews who fell victim to fascist Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest and depicts their shoes left behind on the bank when they fell into the river after having been shot during World War II.
No lavish memorials could send out such a stark reminder of the horrors of War, as this simple tribute does.



Fashioned in Cast Iron - The impact they make
A vision that touches one’s core.
A cenotaph – simple but poignant indeed
On the edge of the great Danube’s shore.

No need for a narrative nor for a tag
These shoes on the bank say it all.
They plead for attention - awareness of mind
Provoking a thought rousing pall.

These boots on the riverbank kindle the fire
of shame of the folly of man,
A deep seated anger – resentment in fact
of those cruel men devising the plan

to rid their small world of those folk whom they judged
a blight on their prejudiced plot.
The slaughter of innocent souls - now complete.
To the river – assembled - then shot.

The tiny (all leather), laced shoes of a child
So nearby - a pair of high heels.
Compelling a vision of Mum holding dear
her baby. - Her frantic appeals.

Just three feet away, so depressing and sad
are sturdy, resilient boots.
Instinct demanding that one should conclude-
The owner from strong farming roots.

Quite fashionable sandals – the vogue of the day
Perhaps from a lady of means,
Or a coquette of beauty, a high sense of style.
Highlighting these horror filled scenes.

These shoes bearing witness to what must have been
terror and horror appalling.
And now with this monument clear and precise
A mute dedication – enthralling.

They’ll never again walk on life’s varied paths.
They’ll never see brighter tomorrows.
They’ll never discard all the horror or pain
Mementos of sadness and sorrows.

The waters run deep in this old town of Pest
They carry the hist’ry of pain.
Let’s never forget all the wearers of shoes
who will never be walking again.


attachment=0]4557315-Monuments_in_Budapest-Budapest.jpg[/attachment]

[william williams]

A beautiful stirring poem in tribute to those poor souls

Bill Williams

[Zondrae]

G'day Val,

A beautiful poem. It is amazing how such a simple thing as a few pairs of shoes can say so much. Is this a permanent memorial or was it a temporary installation?

[r.magnay]

....religion, it has a lot to answer for Val.

[Zondrae]

ah Ross,

It is not only Religion. It can be different skin colour or even living on the other side of the 'track'. Quite possible hatred could spring from something as simple as following the wrong football team. So please don't be so narrow minded as to blame religeon alone. Were not the Nazis trying to wipe our a race rather than a religion? That is my understanding anyway.

[vwalla]

Bill, Zondrae, and Ross

This is a permanent reminder of the follies of War - whatever the reason
I get goose bumps everytime I see the picture but to see it in person - Something else!!There were no signs or explanations only the stark reality of the sculpture.
Val W

[Heather]

That's a lovely poem Val and a stark reminder of how cruel man can be. What a simple but sad memorial.

Heather