Mystery Poem

Predictions Using the ½ sheet of a mixed up poem … with your table partner predict things about the poem. What is the poem about? What is the message of the poem? What is the point of view of the author?

Predictions On the next slide the poem will not be as mixed up. See if you and your table partner can figure out the main idea of the poem.

came Communists first for the they and did I not out speak a because Communist I not was came for the then they Socialists and did I not speak out a because I not Socialist was came for the the then they trade unionists a because I not trade unionist was came for Jews the then they a because I Jew not was came for me then they and left no one there was for me out speak to

The Author Written by a pastor, Martin Niemoller At first accepted and supported the Nazis Then became an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime Was imprisoned in Dachau from 1937 – 1945

First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Communist Then they came for the Socialists Because I was not a Socialist Then they came for the trade unionists Because I was not a trade unionist Then they came for the Jews Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me

What do you think was the intent of the author in writing this poem? Did he want you to take any specific action? Is this poem only about WWII or can it be applied to other times and places?