A poetic "thank you"

After Peter Metzelaar, one of WSHERC's speakers, visited Wendi Fein's class at Tacoma Community College, student Joanne wrote this thank you to him in the form of a poem. More about Peter can be seen here.

Peter Metzelaar a boy with a memory of his life
His family members paid the price.
There was a couple who open their home wide
And took you and your mother on their side
German soldiers looking high and low
To capture those who hid below.
You used to trade shrapnel. Instead of cards
Since bombs were in your front yard.
Your mother was an angel in disguise So, she could save you for a better life.
You became liberated in 1945. Canada on one side
Netherlands on the other side
You lost your father by the fire, but he lived in you
Through dreams, hopes, and desires.
To hear you speak of this tragedy sent tears in my
Eyes and chills down my spine.
To see you now as an adult

Willing to share your story without any doubt
I never said it but, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
To see you were willing, for sharing the challenges in your life.

-Joanne