Night in the Ghetto

Another day has gone for keeps
Into the bottomless pit of time
Again it has wounded a man, held captive
       by his brethren.
After dusk, he longs for bandages,
For soft hands to shield the eyes
From all the horrors that stare by day.
To weary eyes that all day long
       have had to watch.
Dawn crawls again along the ghetto streets
Embracing all who walk this way.
Gobbles up the dark with Fiery eyes-
That sweet darkness that falls upon the soul
And heals those wounds illuminated by day...
Along the streets come light and ranks of people
Like a long black ribbon, loomed with gold.

Anonymous 1943