#1943
As we retreated through the deep snow trudging onwards, I felt as if my fingers were becoming too cold to hold the rifle let alone fire it. I lost my gloves days before and needed others to use my rifle if attacked. Then on a wall over a bridge I saw some abandoned gloves on top. I went to gather them, but dropped them both: there were hands inside stiff and white. We matched on through the deep snow the enemy bringing up the rear. I never forgot the hands in gloves long after the war, the memory always recalled what it was I saw.
May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025 at 7:52 AM UTC
And it's got to be
a double wedding
and things got hectic
making sure the dresses
were ready in time
and your sister was so nervous
she puked once
but the grooms were on leave
from the army
(soon to be dispatched
to England)
and you stood in your bedroom
at home while your mother
fussed about things
and your hair needs
more doing to it she said
your sister was in her bedroom
with our aunt Bess fussing over her
and you thought of Chuck
and what it would be like
later that day after the wedding
and you were in bed for the first time
and what to expect
and yes a double wedding
and double bedding
(different places of course)
and you are getting anxious
and bite your nails
and your mother says
don't bite your nails
so you stare at her
and wish maybe
you weren't marry Chuck
but instead Brad
who is in Italy fighting
and that time Brad and you
kissed out back of the house
and his lips and yours
pressed so tight
no air could get between
and you touched and hugged
but that's all you kept it clean
but now you're going
to marry Chuck
and you do not want to
have him at all.
Aug 28, 2017
Aug 28, 2017 at 4:00 AM UTC
The snow was blowing among the trees. In large wet flakes it tumbled down.
My captain turned, as if to speak, but from his lips there came no sound.
A red rose bloomed there on his chest -staining dark the Wehrmacht grey.
I looked in horror as he pitched face forward to the ground.
****** I yelled and ducked for cover. The copse of trees echoed the sound.
Somewhere out there he awaits; the Devil’s son, the cunning foe.
He’s stalked our party for three days yet leaves no footprints in the snow.
I served in France in Forty –one; before these Russians were our foes.
I shiver but it’s not from fear; it’s just that we lack winter clothes.
I motion briskly with my right hand, I think the shooter must be there
my corporal nods and starts to move; perhaps he can outflank this man.
My soul is black for I’ve done some things;
for which I once would have been ashamed.
I saw the Jewess try to shield her babe
as I placed them in a common grave.
This man out there, a warrior; he risks his life upon command.
He is clever, this one, he waits his chance.
Either its him or me that’s dammed.
The drifting snowflakes hide his breath.
But He’s still out there this I know.
My Captain lies still upon the earth
and is slowly covered by the snow.
We are soldiers who risk our lives.
We sacrifice for the Fatherland.
We dream of a woman and a warm bed
Never of Death’s cold clammy hand
My men cry out, the fox is flushed
The ****** has at last been found.
It’s true what they say of the bullet that kills you;
I never even heard the sound.
May 5, 2016
May 5, 2016 at 10:17 PM UTC