It should not come as a surprise.
Cautionary tales never expire,
But we may hope for forgiveness.
Germany pleaded guilty 70 years ago.
Alfred, a German child of 11 in 1945,
Was not likely to have committed atrocities
In furtherance of Hitler’s policies.
He does not require your or my absolution.
I have been to the camps,
Seen ovens and pictures.
A photograph taken at Dachau visits me on occasion.
A German captain smiles, and kills two Jews with one bullet.
If I had the chance I would kill that German today,
No matter that he would now be over ninety.
But as to his son, Alfred, what is my grievance?
His Germany and Angela Markel are now my best hope for
peace.
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