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


Friday, May 6, 2011

Up Late

Danny


UP LATE

I’m not supposed to
be up after nine o’clock,
but Mom seems to have
forgotten about the air grate
in the parlor ceiling.

Monday through Friday at nine,
Gabriel Heatter comes on
the Mutual Broadcasting System.
I lie on the floor
in the hallway to listen.

Last year, more often
than not there was bad
news, though Mr. Heatter
would never have said it.
Sleep didn't come easy.

The Allies are now advancing
on the European front.
When he says,
"There is good news tonight,"
I can relax...finally.

By the time Mr. Heatter
starts talking about Kreml
my head hits the floor.
"Get to bed, you rascal!"
And I can tell Mom's smiling.



© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. The photo is found on many sites on the internet, but I could find no attribution; if anyone knows the source of the image, please let me know. Hair tonic ad from author's personal collection.

2 comments:

maria horvath said...

Was there a jingle associated with Kreml, like that classic verse about another such product?

Bryl-creem,
a little dab'll do ya,
Bryl-creem,
you'll look so debonair.
Bryl-creem,
the gals will all pursue ya,
They'll love to RUN their fingers
through your hair.

Diane Mayr said...

I remember that jingle! I'll have to check to see if there's one for Kreml.