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Holocaust Memorial Day: 27th January 2010
2nd February 2010
Hanna Brady’s suitcase is now displayed in a holocaust museum in Japan. Hannah did not survive the concentration camp but her suitcase has taken her story to others who are seeking peace.
HANNA’S SUITCASE
Though empty now of things
I’ve placed into my suitcase
All my hopes and dreams
For a better world full of love
And free from prejudice.
You may not see
But it is crammed to full
Bursting with the promise
Of a kinder world, bathed in love
Though on the outside perhaps a little battered.
When my hands held the strap
It weighed heavy with essential goods
And fear and the sadness of separation - Tears of love’s goodbyes.
So soon, stolen all those precious things, Discarded in a pile or seized as spoils.
Yet no-one could prize from me
My memories or the conviction of my soul That God is Love - even here.
And so I packed my suitcase
With my prayers
Not knowing where its long journey
Might take them.
II
Know I have travelled to an Eastern land, Far away, Your name embossed upon my leather As numbers tattooed upon your skin.
I take your prayer of peace
That war will cease.
Copyright Faith Ford 2003