The north wind blows hell bent for election!

Snow bursts race each other across the yard;

quivering flag, flat against the sky, on guard!

Snow covers all; winter’s white confection.

I’m watching as I hear Beethoven’s fifth

I note the code, for victory the V;

dit dit dit da, to Europe’s hope the key.

Oppressed in Nazi night, let spirits lift!

What reasons am I comforted and warm

destruction taking other lives than mine?

Why was I safe in nineteen thirty nine

and peace was mine, in such a fearful storm?

How thin the membrane holds the past apart!