Human Cargo in Cattle Cars

We arrived at the railroad station, where empty cattle cars waited for us. Ninety people had to crowd themselves into each car. We had to jump down from the platform into the car, and many people badly hurt themselves in the process. It was so crowded that we had to sit on each other, unable to move our legs. The heavy doors soon closed and we were locked in. An eerie quite encompassed the gloomy situation.

Our transport traveled swiftly. We had no idea as to our next destination. The following day, a black Monday, at around 5 PM, the train came to a sudden halt. We heard some cries, fear creeping under our skin. My mother ordered me to get rid of the photographs of friends and family that I brought along. The gendarmes may beat me up if they find them. I promptly hid the photos between the side and the ceiling of the boxcar. I wonder if anyone ever found them.

© David Muskal, 2001