Kids of the Homefront Army: June 6, 1944

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

Monday, April 4, 2011

June 6, 1944

Cathleen

JUNE 6, 1944

It’s almost as though
everyone is walking
on tippy-toe.

New York City is quiet—
hushed and listening
for the latest news

of the invasion
that will lead us
on the path to peace.

Or not, depending
upon how it goes.
For now, all eyes

are on the news line.
All hearts have stopped beating.
Please, Lord...

Please.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Photo courtesy Library of Congress. Note: if you click on the photo, it opens in another screen and the news ticker is easier to read.

3 comments:

laurasalas said...: Oh, I love the sense of stillness here, of hope mixed with trepidation...; February 10, 2012 at 12:17 PM
Linda B said...: My mother told me that this was the moment that seemed as if everyone was holding their collective breaths, just as it seems your poem is doing. And, so unlike today, they waited for news, & waited & waited. Thank you!; February 10, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Diane Mayr said...: I can imagine all of NYC gathered at various tickers and watching in hopeful anticipation of the beginning of an end to the war. It must have been excruciating for some.; February 11, 2012 at 8:32 AM