by Rochelle Ratner
When the War ended their first thoughts were to protect
themselves. Only a few bombs left, but they had to be hidden.
Somewhere close to home, they thought. Someplace no one would
look. Their zoo was eighty years old, a landmark, something to still
be proud of. They thought of all the Jews headed for Palestine,
their anger like hot sand kicked in their faces. Then they thought of
camels.
Rochelle Ratner's latest poetry books include Balancing Acts (Marsh Hawk Press, 2006), Beggars at the Wall (Ikon, 2006) and House and Home (Marsh Hawk Press, 2003). She is the author of fifteen previous poetry collections and two novels (Bobby’s Girl and The Lion’s Share) both published by Coffee House Press). More information and links to her writing on the Internet can be found on her homepage.