There is one front and one battle where everyone in the United States—every man, woman, and child—is in action and will be privileged to remain in action throughout this war. That front is right here at home, in our daily lives and in our daily tasks. Here at home everyone will have the privilege of making whatever self-denial is necessary, not only to supply our fighting men, but to keep the economic structure of our country fortified and secure during the war and after the war.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s radio broadcast to the nation, April 28, 1942


Saturday, May 21, 2011

Model Airplanes


Eugene


MODEL AIRPLANES

For years I made model airplanes.
I have sixteen hanging from
the ceiling of my room.

My sister thought it was
a childish hobby until
the war began.

Now my sister and I
lie on my floor
and memorize the shapes

of the enemy.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Photo courtesy Library of Congress.

3 comments:

Melissa said...

First time visitor to your blog. I love the poem above, especially the structure - 3, 3, 3 and then that last line, separate, but drawing it all together.

My 13 year old daughter has an intense interest in WWII, so I'll be forwarding on your blog address to her.

September 2, 2011 at 3:14 PM
Diane Mayr said...

Thanks for stopping by. The poems were written for kids, so please do pass the address along to your daughter!

September 2, 2011 at 4:17 PM
Violet N. said...

This poem makes war personal in such a understandable and powerful way. That last line is a knockout!

Violet

September 3, 2011 at 12:02 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)