Letter from Wisia Kwaśnińska to Maria Łotysz (Maryla Łotyszówna) dated 29.10.1942 - manuscript, written in blue ink on two sheets (bifolium) of smooth paper (four written pages), in Polish. Contains few deletions. The letter was written in Równe. In it, the author described her friendship with Barbara Klimkowska who died in the Holocaust with her sister Jolanta and her mother. Klimkowska was friends with Łotysz and often wrote to her.
Full letter content:
"Równe, 29th October 42
Dear Maryla,
A few days ago I sent you a postcard[,] from which you will learn a bit about Basia. As I now have a free moment[,] I'm using this opportunity to write to you. Doesn't it seem strange to you that you are corresponding with a colleague you don't know at all and don't know what she looks like. It gives me a strange pleasure[,] and you? I know you a little from Baśka's stories. I know you are a tall blonde and nothing more. [As long as] you're that good and as long as it doesn't inconvenience you[,] then send me your photograph. Don't be disgusted with me because I come with such a straightforward request, but I really like you a lot, even though... [2nd page] I don't know you. Baśka was really in love with you and I was infected by it too. Your letters[,] or actually 1 letter gave me great pleasure. I wish I could write as nicely as you, but I know that everyone has a different talent. But no more of this silliness. I was about to write you about Basia. Oh! [She] was a really good[,] sweet girl. [You're certainly] curious how we met and [in general,] how we became friends. Well, it was like this. On one occasion, a choral declamation was to take place. One girl was missing, so I was taken. I don't know anything about declamation[,] it's too difficult for me. It comes to me as hard as mathematics does. However, Saul (our professor) claimed that I was up to it. During the rehearsal I noticed a new girl who I liked v. much at first sight. And that was Baśka. [3rd page] And guess what[,] I don't know myself[,] which one of us started the conversation. It occurs to me, however[,] that it was Her. She asked me whether they call me 'Golden' because I have fair hair. And so it began. Then Baśka came to our class (after the holidays) and sat behind me and Irka. We were such three friends. It seems to me[,] however[,] Baśka was on better terms with Irka, because she told her more about herself and her experiences. She used to call me 'Beautiful love child'. Isn't it funny that she's the same age as me and she called me her baby. We lived in harmony. During the holidays Irka and Baśka used to stay with me in Szpanów. We used to go together to the countryside to trade tobacco. Then it really was fun. Irka and Baśka are two poised girls[,] and I am a scatterbrained one. But this has all passed. Irka has only remained the same[,] as before, serious and diligent[,] in a word - exemplary in all respects. [4th page] I got serious and settled down[,] and Baśka died. At first I couldn't believe it[,] but then... Whenever I recall it[,] I get into a strange mood. Grief for Basia and hatred for the killers. Why she is dead. After all, she was also entitled to what we have. So young[,] pretty. Forgive me darling[,] but I can't write. I think you understand me. [For now] I'm finishing up and please[,] write me a few words about yourself, what you look like[,] what you do. [If] you wish[,] of course I would love to meet you in person, and maybe that will happen too. Who knows.
Bye[,] Lots of warm kisses
Wiśka
P.S.
Forgive me the form of this letter[,] but I'm writing it while I'm working and I'm afraid[,] that my boss might notice."
prepared by Monika Harchut
