On Leave
by dan smith
The yellow walls.
The air-raid sirens.
The man in the white sailor suit.
The child in the brown coat and cap
is only four years old.
He is holding his mothers hand
and waving goodbye at the train station.
He feels this is something important
but maybe it’s only the train.
Home From the War
by dan smith
The boy plays with a big wooden tow truck
in the dirt. It’s light blue with white lettering.
The tow arm moves and he can wind up the string
and pull stuff up and along behind. He kept it
for years but now it’s clear it was the act
of giving that his father loved.
______
dan smith is the author of two chapbooks: Crooked River and The Liquid of Her Skin, the Suns of Her Eyes published by Deep Cleveland Press and Night Ballet Press respectively. He has been published in the Rhysling Anthology, Dwarf Stars, Scifaikuest, Renegade Flowers: d.a. levy in the Digital Revolution, Kaleidotrope, Zen of the Dead and Lupine Lunes published by Popcorn Press, microcosms, Red Fez, Hedgerow: A Journal of Small Poems and Failed Haiku to name a few.
I very much liked this heartfelt poem by Joan Donovan , So very touching and relatable..
I enjoyed both of John Stupp’s poems. They reminded me of when I was child and how different things were back then.
I especially love the ending line of this poem!
Enjoyed Robert Nisbet’s poem which captured the era and The Andrew Sisters.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Aurora
Loved Alan Yount’s poem. My mother was a young teen during WWII,she loved Billie Holiday and so do
Robert Nisbet’s poem “Servicemen” is up to his usual high standards. The final line is especially powerful.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Michael.
“I Got Lena To Sing To Me,” by Aurora Lewis, is a first-rate poem which captures the angst of military service during wartime, along with the pleasure and relief provided by great music.
Thank you so much Michael. Not being in the service and also not during wartime, I am so thankful that I was able to get my feeling across to my reader.
John Stupp’s “Carolina Shout” is powerful and moving.
Alan Yount’s poem “Smoking an Old Meerschaum Pipe” uses a careful attention to detail to tie together very disparate elements that come to fruition in the final stanza in a pleasing way for the reader.
Roger Singer’s “Barracks 231” — oh yeah. Very nice.
Both of Dan Smith’s poems are gentle in tone and attentive to detail. They capture fundamental truths about family relationships, and war’s effect on them.
Dear Mr. Newell:
Thanks for your kind words. I am honored to have my poems included with so many excellent poems.
“Sweet Pain” by Joan Donovan captures the power of loss, loss too personal to share.
For Aurora Davis. I think your poem on Lena really captured what you could say was the “singing tone,” on war. I have always enjoyed your poems with JJM. Thanks for your comment on my poem.
Alan, thank you for enjoying my poems. I also enjoy yours.
For Michael L. Newell. I liked your poem. It caught the “spirit” of the crooners. Being a trumpet player I have all of Harry James albums. He and Frank make some great music together. Frank did his eulogy in Las Vegas. By he way, I got your two latest books. Several of the poems have stayed on my mind. Also I can’t quit thinking I wish I had come up with the title: “Traveling Without Compass or Map.” What a great overall metaphor and title!
Mr. Yount, I thank you for your kind words about my poem. I also thank you for your support of my books. Greatly appreciated. — MLN
Wonderful poems by all. I especially enjoyed Dan Smith’s poems here. Artful…and with a deep, tangible sincerity that can only come from having lived and having felt with the heart of a poet.
hey, thanks man. DCPH forever!!!