Shameless Lamentation

I wrote this poem shortly after finishing reading the novel 'Night,' by Elie Wiesel. It was a rather depressing book, though incredibly well-written, and it inspired me to write about the Holocaust.

My friend, I have heard your cries of woe.
As the lack of mercy made you wail "no,"
I stood by in silence and shame,
Feeling not enough pain.
 
Through your sorrowful pleading,
I witnessed your beating,
Knowing the world was forever forsaken,
And your pride still longer taken.

 
My friend, I have heard your cries of woe!
Your shameless lamentation is here for me to know,
But still I sit idly by,
Unable to look you in the eye.

 
The beatings of brutality ring in my ears,
And I can only wish that it all was not so near.
So long as I cannot listen or see,
I can certainly be lead to believe
That none of it is true.
 
My friend, I have heard your cries of woe.
Your sorrowful lamentation is the only pain I know.
The demons who hide at night
Harbor such a gruesome sight,
For I have heard your cries of woe.