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


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Man On the Bicycle


Owen


MAN ON THE BICYCLE

One thing we hope never
to see in our neighborhood
is the man on the bicycle.

He delivers THE TELEGRAM,
bringing messages of a loved one
maimed, missing, or dead.

Nowadays, no one chooses
to send a telegram,
not even for news of a birth.

The man on the bicycle
is no longer welcomed
around here.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Telegram courtesy World War II-Prisoners of War-Stalag Luft I, used with permission.

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