Once again, the Red Cross had to participate
In a war full of horror, notorious waste and loss,
Whose level of needs none could anticipate,
Nor tally its length, nor guess and plot its course.
For prisoners of war, they did almost all things –
Reports to kin, returns, conditions, letters, food, lists,
All countries monitored. Thousands worked on this.
As to Hitler’s ‘final solution,’ ‘some knew’ in 1942,
But were overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do.
With neutral Switzerland the key used to legitimize
Their work, they felt they could not afford to ostracize
Any nation, despite the silent foul ‘Howl’
Of extermination, millions mourning while millions of others scowled.
(Fifty years later, with fresh eyes, they apologized.)
June Edvenson 