Jangled Nerves --Chop 111

My fingers fly fast on the typewriter keys.
I'll leave her a note, my land-lady to please.
We've had some long talks as we wait for our men,
and she doesn't know when she will see hers again.
Mine's coming home and I'm traveling to meet him.
I know he's been hurt, but I'm eager to greet him.
I can't really believe I'll soon be in the sky.
Common sense tells me those big things can't fly.

I'll reveal the secret that he doesn't know,
not a secret much longer, I'm beginning to show.
Cigarette in my hand is burning my fingers
as smoke from  the last in small room, still lingers.
I empty full ashtray of butts, some stained red
and look again for lost earring under my bed.
The lone gold earring still  lies there with no mate
but my taxi has come, looking for it must wait.
I put my ticket in it as I pick up my purse,
still wondering if I am his wife or his nurse.
I talk to myself as I close and lock door,
reminding myself again, how much I hate war.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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Richards Avatar
December 30, 2014 at 7:28 PM
I love your story here, Joyce, ....you brought WWII to life through the eyes of one person who did not know whether her loved one would make it home in one piece. And the last line says it all ! Well done!
Lamoureux Avatar
December 29, 2014 at 10:03 AM
Well done, congratulations!
A   Avatar
December 26, 2014 at 11:02 PM
JOYCE, congratulations in Craigs C., chopped contest.... LUV LINDA
Haight Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 8:47 AM
Excellent poem using those special words, Joyce! Congratulations on your win! Hugs, Sandra
Kendrick Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 8:22 AM
Wonderful to see your name in the winners' list..Way to go..Congrats..Sara
A. Sharma Avatar
December 22, 2014 at 8:59 PM
Wonderful write Joyce! Congrats on big win!
Allison Avatar
December 21, 2014 at 3:55 PM
dropping back with my congrats:-) Hugs jan xx
Stoner Jr Avatar
December 21, 2014 at 1:49 PM
congratulations Joyce on your winning poem, well done
Kayode Avatar
December 21, 2014 at 12:06 PM
Merry Christmas and congrats onthe win Joyce...huggs
A. Sharma Avatar
December 2, 2014 at 10:11 PM
Wow wonderful write Joyce n the concluding lines superb my friend! sure to fly high on winner's list! gl in contest!
Gifford Avatar
December 2, 2014 at 12:10 PM
Hi, Joyce, I hate war, too. But I think it will always be with us until Jesus returns. I hope you will be, like you say, not his nurse, but his wife. And wonderful news he will hear from you with joy in his heart. What a homecoming that will be. I don't understand the chop 111. in the title. Does that mean you think the outcome will not be good news?
Allison Avatar
December 2, 2014 at 12:06 PM
great write for the contest- good luck:-) hugs jan xx
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