Letters From 1939
I found an old, worn box
Inside my antique dining hutch
It was filled with yellowed paper
Greeting cards and such
The envelopes were dated back
To nineteen thirty-nine
From far and wide in that December
On the eve of Christmas time
The tattered pages, worn so thin
That I could scarcely read
Were filled with warmest wishes
Not a hint of modern greed
Although ornate with pressed gold-leaf
The simple cards were dear
And time rolled back as they revealed
The climate of that year
When thunder over Europe
Hinted of what was in store
I do not speak of weather
But the coming of the War
The letter sent from Scotland
Was the most remarkable
It spoke how fear of Hitler
Even then was palpable
The longhand note from Glasgow
Spoke of bombings in the night
And prayers that their loved ones
In the field would be alright
Holidays away from home
Soldiers going off to serve
Hoping when it mattered
They could summon up the nerve
How far have we come since then…
Has it been so very long?
Is the cause more “right” than it was then
Or is it still just as "wrong"?
Whichever side you stand today
On the battle lines of war
Remember that you’re free to say
Just what you stand up for
*Note:
I found these notes and letters while I was cleaning out clutter last Saturday. I don't know
how they got in my house, but I am thankful for the precious perspective that they offer. I
will keep the letters in a safe place until I know with whom I should leave them. Thanks for
reading! Donna
Copyright © Donna Golden | Year Posted 2009
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