Duck and Cover

That was the last call.
       Aunt Rosie and the kids have left.
               They’re      safe
     The rest have         been accounted for.
             It’s just           us now.
    Is everybody             ready?
   I never really               thought this day could come.
    Preparations               aside, it was just a compulsive
       precaution.              Our family, friends, will we
 ever see them,               talk to them again?
       How could               we have done this to ourselves?
       Funny, the               things I think of at a time like this.
     I got tickets               to a Springsteen concert next month.
       Who cares               now?
      Six months               ago, when I bought them, I still had some trust.
      Trust in the               world, in                      our leaders. None
   of this makes               sense.
     Do the egos               of two                             men  matter?
     I remember                as a child                  the grade school,
duck and cover                 drill.
   I remember                     the                     black and yellow shelter signs.
     That was                         over                     fifty years ago.
  Have we                                learned nothing?
   Come on, let’s go. It’s a bit of a drive.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
August 10, 2023 at 6:36 AM
It is sad the situations our country and whole world is facing at this time in space. We never know when terror will hit at our door. thanks for sharing this one with us. It is very creative, and these are not so easy to do. Your visit to my page was encouraging. Sara
Gentile Avatar
March 23, 2024 at 7:04 AM
Thank you Sara xxoo
Goldsmith Avatar
August 9, 2023 at 2:46 PM
I enjoyed your write "Duck And Cover." Love your line, "Have we learned nothing?" We have learned nothing at all. That is why we are where we are. Have a great day writing away.............
Gentile Avatar
August 10, 2023 at 4:18 AM
Sad but true Paula, thank you for reading!!! Happy Thursday xxoo
Ashley Avatar
July 29, 2023 at 9:08 AM
Dear Mike, your amazing poem is powerfully expressed both in verse and visual shape. Your capture the extreme moments of angst and thoughts of imminent doom, that I hope to God we never experience, with poetic finesse! Your potent and heartfelt verse brings me to the center of this scary urgent situation with ease. My heart is racing! Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan
Gentile Avatar
July 29, 2023 at 6:32 PM
Susan, thank you so much for your kind words xxoo
Rodrigues Avatar
July 29, 2023 at 4:49 AM
Excellent! You shaped a picture and a poem - both! This is great poetry! This should be a POTD! Have a wonderful weekend, Mike! Fave!
Gentile Avatar
July 29, 2023 at 6:45 AM
Thank you so much Kim for your kind words xxoo
Messina Avatar
July 27, 2023 at 3:49 AM
Thanks for reposting this, Mike. Love the form...I couldn't agree with you more, the world is much more treacherous now than ever. Me being from NJ I have seen Bruce many times. To me, good music is good music, so I'd probably go see him again. I am not that political, but I certainly understand why someone who is would trash a ticket (lol). Have a great weekend, my friend :)
Gentile Avatar
July 27, 2023 at 9:31 AM
Thanks Charlie, actually, I didn't mean it about Bruce politically, I love him too. I meant that all of our lives and things we enjoy wild be meaningless on the event of impending doom!! I always appreciate your kind words!! Happy Thursday !!!
Romios Avatar
July 26, 2023 at 8:47 AM
Well, Mike, this is really creative. Thank you for doing this.. As far as nuclear war..Russia, Chima, Korea and a ton of nations in the Middle East have them. Worse, Chinese miliary are crossing the open border also flying in. Add the Fentanyl flowing in killing 100,000 . Americans a year. China has a base in Cuba. Pangie I used to teach Duck and Cover…50 years ago
Gentile Avatar
July 26, 2023 at 9:12 AM
Yes, Pangie, the world is much more treacherous now! I am glad that I am where I am in life now! I wrote this a long while ago, came across it and it felt right to post it now. Thank you as always for your kind words!!
Situation Avatar
July 25, 2023 at 6:54 PM
I see a nuke. It's been predicted but like you said that was over 50 years ago. Wonder what they do now?
Gentile Avatar
July 26, 2023 at 3:54 AM
I surely hope that nothing ever happens!!! Thanks for reading!!
Pandit Avatar
July 25, 2023 at 12:01 PM
Impressed by your design, Mike. You are multi-talented artist my friend. This should be a winner in Brian's contest.
Gentile Avatar
July 25, 2023 at 12:12 PM
Thank you so Vijay for your very kind words!!
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