'Little girl lost' is what we called her
I still see her standing there
Amongst the tall trees with shafts of light
Highlighting her blonde curly hair.
By her side a huge Saint Bernard
Her arm across his neck
We knew he was there to lead her home
To guard her and protect.
This picture that I now recall
On a jigsaw puzzle lid
Was a wartime gift from Dad to Mum
In which a message was hid.
When the puzzle was completed
She found to her surprise
Words written on some pieces
Hidden from the censors' eyes.
Sent with love from behind the lines
So his young wife would know
Just where he was in the theatre of war
And that he loved and missed her so.
Although this puzzle has been lost to us
The message I see even now
'Hope this reaches you for Christmas
All my love from E M I R A U.'
Author notes
I wrote this on ANZAC day last year. True story - I have spelt the name of the tiny Pacific island of Emirau in capital letters the same way my father had spelt it with each letter on a different piece of the puzzle.
Written April 26th, 2005
A contest entry
- Catch a falling star (48HR CONTEST) by sanity.
400 points, ended May 31, 2005, 19 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
-
This is such a touching story and I can't be more honored to have been able to read it. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us. Stories like this, although personal are important as they contain historic value showcasing what actually goes on behind enemy lines with prisonors of war. We can never fully understand unless people like you share the knowledge you have held within your hearts through the years. We are indebted to you for this. Again, thank you!
Suzi
-
Just so you know I read and will comment fully on my return..........Hugs and Love LindaXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxx
-
What a touching memory to share with us Wheezy - I'm sure i wouldn't have been as brave as your father...my message would've been slightly different " I'm acting like a nutcase so they'll release me...please send me a clown nose, a bottle of seltzer and a ukulele"
Bravo Wheezy!
-
Dear Anne,
Thankyou for adding to the store of Wartime stories which need to be told and archived before they are completely lost.
This shows the ingenuity which some soldiers employed to circumvent the censors' vigilance and their efforts to pass on desperately craved but forbidden news to their loved ones.
Applause,love and hugs, XXX Hugh. -
Yeah, it was really great.
Keep on writing. (: -
this is beautiful
and well written. you have talent
keep it up
Adding your comment:
1 - 6 of 6
