Swastika
He shared how freshman year his unchosen college roommate
tacked that flag above hi s bed glaring across the dorm room.
He was able to switch roommates and leave that hate filled room.
His story brought tears to my eyes and angst to my heart.
He shared his Hillel bagels and lox brunches with me
He welcomed me to his world for two years.
I saw how hate worked and how resilience won out
Sadly we parted ways at graduation coming from
two different worlds. He could not leave his tribe.
9 thoughts on "Swastika"
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I feel this strongly. Thank you.
An unexpected downturn at the end. Even when things seem to be moving in the right direction, they swerve. That’s life.
yesterdays spider,
is tomorrows… stars and bars…
i disagree with your last sentence,
but i don’t want to pick a fight…
my cynical nature wants to know
if you had sex with this person-
or if this person wanted sex with you,
as that changes how i see his motives completely…
(but you OBVIOUSLY do not have to address that)
just thinking outloud.. 🙂
trying to see pictures from multiple sides…
“That flag” resonates strongly with the title. Sharing bagels and lox brunches says so much in a few words about connecting to someone by a special food. The juxtaposition of “welcome” and “parting” emphasizes the loss and everyone can identify with both emotions.
The ending feels very real!
I agree.
Wow! What a memory.
A heavy story told very well. Makes me hope this individual has found peace.
These moments are sometimes hard to understand in life. I would live in a kumbaya world, but sadly it is not to be. Well written poem!