When I think about myself
I still wish for more
Even though my life has been filled
With memories galore
Off to school every day
Carrying gas mask
Aware that we were at war
Quite an easy task
Food was rationed didn't care
As we played ouside
Did eat some leaves and berries
Grass and much more beside
Skies above were filled with planes
Both fighters and foes
Doodlebugs above us droned
Night sky often glows
So much has changed since those days
My kids raised in peace
But values have altered much
Greed rules without cease
Life can be good at anytime
Care not, cheat and rob
And think not of others plights
Refugees they sob
We're void of humanity
Don't share what we've got
But at least I've seen the best
Now...who cares a jot?
When I think about myself
I'm so glad in fact
Being the chap I came to be
One with least impact
Image found at https://militaryhistorynow.com/2017/03/31/
Bravo! i enjoyed the well chosen details here, and how they line up in metered verse. I'm glad you are you, too.
ReplyDeleteOh so lyrical... that train of thought chugging smoothly from one wartime to the next...past to present..
ReplyDeleteThanks for the progression the war days physically and emotionally to peace time tangible and emotionally matured
ReplyDeleteLuv this write
Happy Wednesday Robin
much love...
"Least impact" is good. I enjoyed your poem, and your memories of your boyhood days.
ReplyDeleteBeing who we truly are is always a pleasure, is it not?
ReplyDeleteThis is quite a journey with wonderful enriching details...
ReplyDeleteThat is the kind of understanding derived from experience - I like how you paint the picture and contrast it with the environment we see today. And to think gladly about the person you are today is a blessing indeed.
ReplyDelete-HA
I think you turned out to be a wonderful chap Robin. Your journey in words shows it well. Your poem is full of the wisdom of experience, and that is beautiful!
ReplyDelete...and most likely with more impact than you know, Robin. We all leave out footprints in the sands of time. I love your rhyming self-analysis!
ReplyDeleteThis reads like wisdom unspooling--almost careless but deftly pointed
ReplyDeleteI love this, Robin. I am glad we lived in the times we did. I feel for the kids living in today's world. You sound like you were a very hardy kid, surviving war.......thank heavens, you had a really wonderful wife, kids and life, after. You deserved every blessing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this. Quite a scary time you went through when I look at these masks. I totally agree with you on the changed values and I bet the impact you had was a bloody good one
ReplyDeleteEnjoying being the chap that you are...that is the goal to be happy with the journey from beginning to end.
ReplyDeleteloved this....true words....valuable!!
ReplyDeleteI loved, 'least impact.' I am glad I grew up when I did, and for all experiences that went along with it.
ReplyDeleteLow impact people seem to slide through life with ease. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed this poem, Robin, especially the stanzas about going to school with your gas mask and eating leaves and berries while playing outside. You might like to read my World War 2 novel for children, Joe and Nelly, which is a free read on Inkitt. It's not very long but I think it might bring back a few memories. :)
ReplyDelete