Oh, What a Lovely War!

I like this. It reminds me so much of the stories my mum tells of that time - her evacuation, and the nights spent on the underground, and nan coming up from the cellar to shovel an incendiary bomb into the kitchen sink... Those final lines say it all: the lessons we never learn. I'll come back to this one.

Thanks, so very much Stan. I enjoyed hearing your memories too, and you are so right about those lessons.

Tina;-)

another great read silver really enjoyed it.

Many thanks, widdicombe;-) silver

Hi Tina, great poem with a message for today's world of smart bombs where someone somewhere presses a button from hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Thanks, too, op. Much appreciated;-) Tina

I'm glad I didn't grow up then Tina. But the stories are etched into my mind being a post-war child. My Dad was in the Resistance and got shot in the leg but he never spoke about the war and the Nazi occupation but you hear all the stories. War is a terrible time especially for kids.
This poem really brought it close to mind.

I think you did it well here. Really captured the atmosphere.

;)Pia

Thanks, so much Pia, and for sharing your post-war memories. I think the war has affected most of our lives, in some way, whether we were actually born then or not.

I'm really pleased I was successful in capturing the essence, at least for you;-)

Tina;-)

Hi Tina, liked this a lot.My parents would tell wonderful stories of how they used to have to get in the cupboard under the stairs when the sirens went off, or make there way to a shelter. My mums house was bombed during the war and all my nan could say when she saw the house in ruins was " I hope theres no glass in the bowl of sugar!"

More nostalgia - you do it so well, Tina and it's always a pleasure to read. I hope you're working on your memoirs, that's if you haven't already...
Coral x

Hi Tina,

I think this is an amazing vivid picture, that
captures a time in the past so well.

It must have been such a frightening time, even though I wasn't around then, I can't imagine how
it must have felt, for those that did go through it,
although it must have been a time of everyone
pulling together to help each other out.

My mum told me, they could see the city of
Bristol on fire, the whole sky would be lit
up with flames.

I agree with oldpesky, that there's a lesson to be
learnt from the last war.

Definitely a poem I'm glad I read, thankyou for
sharing Tina.

Jenny.

Oh, that's a lovely story, jolono. I could have just imagined my nan saying that too;-)

Pleased you enjoyed this one, and many thanks for telling me in such a delightful way.

Tina;-)

Now that's an idea, Coral;-)

Might just get busy. Pleased you enjoyed, and I hope your day is a good one.

Tina x

Jenny - thanks so much;-)

I can't imagine what the Bristol sky looked like. Absolutely terrifying, it must have been.

Pleased you found my poem worthwhile, and many thanks for telling me.

Tina;-)

I remember this one, Tina. Those last few lines still chill me to the core. I've just watched 'Atonement' for the first time - I seem to be having a WWII themed-evening! Anyway, this is a brilliant piece and well-deserving of a cherry :-)

Magic xxx

Excellent writing. It captures the essence of a side of war that is not often explored. The combination of humdrum and terrifying is particularly poignant.

Hi Magic;-) Many thanks for reading, and I thought you might find it familiar. Amazing, the difference a few tweaks here and there can make. Poems never cease to amaze me, sometimes. They all, without exception, have minds of their own;-)

I haven't seen Atonement yet, but I must make sure I do.

Hope you are well, and keeping warm, with all the snow in the forecast;-)

Tina xxx

Many thanks for that, shyrewode. Much appreciated;-)

Tina

Hello Tina,

I haven't read all your work yet but of that which I have read so far I love this poem best. I think it is excellent with the last verse being particularly poignant. A truly great read! Well done to you!

Moya

Hi there, Moya.

Thanks so much for reading this one;-) It is one of my husband's favourites too, so you are in good company.

Have a sunny afternoon. It's tipping it down here, though;-)

Tina