extracts
Meanwhile, they kept up a constant barrage of, 'Quickly, quickly', as they urged us and picked up bundles which, whether fastened or not, they carried to the sledges. What a terrible sight! Everything was turned upside down, scattered all about the place, walls stripped bare and beds left unmade. As we feverishly ran about, my feet became entangled with I know not what, lying on the floor. We were ordered to dress and go outside into the farmyard. We were loaded onto sledges. God! My God! I left home with a very heavy heart. I thought I'd never survive that horrific moment. We were taken to a point where already, many of our acquaintances were being assembled. Every moment witnessed the arrival of another family. From grief and pain, we hardly spoke to each other amidst our wordless tears. In the end we were told to leave and passed by our farm buildings as we trooped to the railway station. All of us, including daddy, were crying like small children. For as long as possible I couldn't wrench my eyes away from our dear home. I wanted to engrave it on my memory for ever.
Journey into Exile
JANINA KRUSZEWSKA (PAWLIK)
Osada Teklówka, District Horochów