Joan Campion - To Gisi Fleischmann, Rescuer of Her People

Courage in battle is an easy thing,
Compared to your gift --
You, who never would bow down
To your tormentors, and whose hand
Was always quick to save,
Though surely you endured
A million secret deaths
Before your own turn came
And you died with those you could not help.

When I imagine you, I do not dwell
Upon your end, so common to the times,
Yet so wretched in its loneliness.
Instead, I see your spirit
Burning as faithful as a candle
Whose flame is buffeted
But never quite put out.
For long and blood-drenched years
That candle gleamed:
For multitudes, the only light there was.

Those who will not bend
End by being broken;
And you were. Yet they could do no more
Than murder you. The radiance that was yours
Will glow forever in the hearts
Of those who search for righteousness.
And even if your very name should fade,
Wherever there is love, there you will live.