Dennis Spilchuk Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

Lili Marlene

Lili Marlene

In times of war, love can subdue cynical 
(Men separated from their vocation, now filled with hatred),
And quell the beast inside their misdirected hearts,
And free their consciences to allow sorrow’s comfort.

A noisy silence pervades the barracks’ atmosphere,
Where soldiers stir, stuffing duffel bags with miscellaneous items,
While others reminisce, writing letters; maybe their last,
And await deployment orders for the Western and Eastern Fronts or Africa.

Belgrade, a woman’s voice over the airwaves is transmitted,
Allowing for a moment of silence and reflection for those listening
Alone; spiritually uplifted by memories of better times,
They seek a reason to justify this madness of sacrifice.

“My Dearest Marlene,” the pen begins when all hell breaks loose.
By bombs flashing bright, bloody hands write, then the pen stops:
“Until we meet again underneath the corner light,
Like we used to do, my Lili Marlene.”
                                          ***

Note: 
   "Lili Marlene" is a German love poem set to music by Norbert Schultze (1911–2002) in 1938, based on the poem “The Song of a Young Soldier on Watch,” written by Hans Leip (1893–1963) in 1915 during World War I. The song was first recorded by Lala Andersen (1905–1972) in 1939 under the title “The Girl Under the Lamps,” which became popular during World War II (1939–1945) among both the Axis and Allied troops. The song was first broadcast by the German Radio Belgrade station throughout Europe and North Africa, following the Nazi occupation of Belgrade in 1941.
   Marlene Dietrich (1901–1992) was the daughter of a Prussian officer. She refused to work in Nazi Germany and was branded a traitor by Nazi supporters when she became an American citizen in 1937. She gave over 500 performances entertaining Allied troops from 1943 to 1946. Marlene Dietrich recorded the song entitled “Lili Marlene” in 1944 for Decca Records (US) and Brunswick Records (UK), which was released in 1945.

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Darlene De Beaulieu June 8, 2019 at 5:35 PM Hello Denis Spilchuk, a beautiful love song to someone's sweetheart. have a nice day my friend. Dennis Spilchuk June 9, 2019 at 7:22 PM Thank you for commenting, sincerely appreciated.

Sunlite Wanter June 3, 2019 at 9:56 AM I remember her well. Your whole poem was nostalgic to me - a WWII teenager. You are quite a writer! A fave for me. Dennis Spilchuk June 4, 2019 at 9:19 PM I am glad the poem brought back memories & thank you for the flattering comment.

Connie Marcum Wong May 15, 2019 at 5:47 PM Dennis, what a special tribute this is to our soldiers of yesterday and today. I loved every line of your words. Both your poem and the video brought me to tears. This emotional piece needs to be read and appreciated by many and I hope it will be. A Fave from me! Thank you my friend! : ) Dennis Spilchuk May 19, 2019 at 10:57 AM Your remarks are very heart feeling & sincere. Thank you for sharing.