Liberation of Paris, August 26, 1944

Liberation of Paris (August 26, 1944) Who would have thought To see American soldiers Under the Arc de Triomphe Marching along Champs Élysées, In the Liberation of Paris; When a short while ago German soldiers' goosesteps Thumped on the avenues, Filling Parisian hearts with fear; With Nazis everywhere, Enforcing Nazi dogma In La belle France. On both occasions, People broke down and cried. Out of horror in 1940, The other of joy in 1944. That generation fades And another takes over. Three times played out But France’s honour was restored When de Gaulle and his entourage Stood at the base Of the unknown soldier’s grave, « Bonaparte, voici ta gloire, La souveraineté française reste! » (“Bonaparte, here is your glory, French sovereignty remains!”) The monolith embellishes Worthiness of culture, Felt in the eye of those present When the wreath is laid, « Combattants de la résistance c'est votre heure Beaucoup sont morts et certains Emporté dans les bras des anges. » (“Resistance fighters, this is your hour. Many have died, and some Swept away in the arms of angels.”) Paris fell in silence, Liberation was loud. Gay Paree where Mademoiselles In love with life itself Fling themselves Upon soldiers, And I feel expression to say, « Belle ville de lumière! » (“Beautiful city of light!”) We cry for someone When there is time, And enlighten each other With finger wagging. The slaughter atrocious, The wait strenuous. And I’ve become reflective. I was raw. I had not experienced, And would have kissed her Like there was no tomorrow; But my candle was extinguished In the Seine’s ebb. *** Note: During World War Two (1939 to 1945); the “Libération de Paris” aka Battle for Paris, lasted from August 19, 1944 to August 25, 1944. The formal surrender of the Nazi occupation of Paris, France was on August 26, 1944. General Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), was the leader of the "Free French" forces during W.W. II, fighting against the German military occupiers of France.