Today, I received a haunting poem by Emily Vargas-Baron in the mail.

The sender has not provided any information except that “this poem relates an experience of the poet’s childhood that haunts her to this day.” 

Read the poem “Eighty Years Ago” - 

 
 “Mama, you are crying!
 Why are you crying?
 Why?”

 
 “Our neighbors with white hair
 Who loved you so…
 Who played with you…”
 “Yes, Mama, let’s visit them.”

 
 “They were found today.
 They were not moving.
 They were holding each other.”
 “What happened, Mama?”
 
 “They had no food.
 They were very proud.
 No one knew!”
 “Can’t they play with me, Mama?”
 
 “I am so sorry, my little one.
 They cannot hug you anymore.
 They cannot play with you ever again.
 Remember them, always.”
 And so, all my long life,
 I have remembered them
 And I miss them…