Nineteen Thirty Nine And All That!

Memory lane forever leads back to desperate years when days were so black. Sirens were sounding; people were scared To their shelters they fled when war was declared. Our City was a target, buildings fell to the ground. Destruction was rife, stones and bricks all around. Theatres and churches bombed; little was spared In one terrible raid from the 'planes in the air. I stood with my father on the hilltop at night And saw for myself, an horrendous sight Wide-spread devastation ~ fire and flame Which flattened the City and brought it to shame. Men on the home front gave of their all To bring food and shelter, and answer each call. But people made homeless with loved ones dead Were leaving in droves to find safety ahead. There seemed no ending ~ war just raged free: Killings at home and ships lost at sea... Women and children gave their lives to the fight Oh, never again must we face such a plight. After five years in battle, victory came fast And the scourge of hostility ended at last. Britons and Americans were Victory Day mad! Revelling and dancing. The scene was quite sad. V.E night passed and daylight broke through. A new life began...peace dawned anew. We must never forget the multitude who died They fought for our country and turned the tide From conflict to Peace; that's how it must stay And thank Heaven for the glory of the Eighth of May. I have many memories but This one stands out...my childhood was marred Without any doubt. But if we never live through hell and walk in the rain ~ where is the joy when the sun shines again. Joyce Hemsley.