With the violin beneath his chin
Inmates watched with hollowed eyes
Nazi soldiers shuffled with sin
He drew the bow - music never dies.

Could he not love them more?
Nazi blew smoke in his Jewish face
Undaunted, his music began to soar
Music lifted - love gifted pace.

Dachau seemed forgotten from above
Men and women - Jews, and others died
Amongst the filth - a spark of love
Yandi and orchestra - changed the tide.

The Nazis listened to Wagner played
Sometimes he was punished, spat upon
His make-shift orchestra, less afraid
Love of music - Nazi listened long.

His love of violin sounded each day
Until they broke his fingers
One... by... one - each day
Conducting instead - teaching singers.

His love of fellow-man never waivered
His faith grew strong - body weak
Every concert was savoured
Weaker by the day, death did seek.

His last words to his fellow-men
"When we are weak, then we are strong."
They gathered around - all ten
His love had saved his orchestra throng.