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 7, 2011

Going to California


Sylvie


GOING TO CALIFORNIA

Today’s the last day of school.
I’m not going back in the fall.
I’m going to California.

The war needs workers,
including women,
and I’m a willing one.

In California,
I’ll build ships or planes
and be handsomely paid.

In California,
movie theaters are open all night.
I’ll dance at the Hollywood Canteen.

Even better than movie stars
will be the gorgeous servicemen
lining up to meet me.

Yes, tomorrow,
I’m boarding a train,
and going to California.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Photo courtesy Library of Congress. Poster courtesy the Victoria & Albert Museum.

1 comment:

Alex said...

Hi Diane, your poems and pictures are always so wonderful and so true to the way things were in WW II. In appreciation, I'd like to give you the Versatile Blogger Award! You don't have to accept/post about it if you wish not to, it's just my way of showing how much I enjoy reading your blog! You can read about the award on my blog. Keep up the fantastic work!

October 19, 2011 at 10:29 AM

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