DAD'S D-DAY

Second Dad fought in

Second day of WWII D-Day.

Never spoke about war,

'Tho might have if lived

Beyond short 47 years;

Died in 1968, heart defect

Undoubtedly curable by

Today's medical marvels.

During teens, Mom and I 

Stayed up late watching

Sentimental WWII movies,

Evoking tears and regret,

But no conversations with Dad; 

All 3 dads, Greatest Generation.

Although hate contemporary 

War movies that prompt sobs,

Watched "Saving Private Ryan"

For possible glimpse into Dad's 

Experiences on French beaches,

Uncertain whether on land or in air.

Had Dad survived into old age,

Might have told dreadful stories:

Bodies floating off shore,

Horrific carnage on shore;

Intolerable terror contrasted

With Yanks' can-do spirit and 

Youthful intrepid invincibility;

Duty conflicted with death.

We send our young to fight 

Political, ideological, financial

Battles, sacrificing generations 

To protect our present, yet

Putting our future in danger, our

Potential in peril, again and again.

In May, June, September, November, 

And December, we specifically honor 

Casualties: premature, mid-life, late deaths;

Of all wars; in Honolulu; in New York,

Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania;

And on occupied French beaches.

Small wonder the allure of bombs,

Missiles, stealth aircraft, and drones

That protect aggressors while also

Destroying people and products.

May freedom ring,

May peace and justice prevail.

Ann Beth Blake

(c)  June 6, 2014