Victor Buhagiar Poet Couplet

Memories After World War II

Some seven years after the war, food was still scarce and costly,
Yet, I would never change anything that life hadn't brought me.

We hardly noticed the ruins around, houses and churches,
It became a sort of adventure; hidden ghosts were just searches.

We never had a proper football, but one made of old cloth.
We played, cheered if we scored and had fun in that smooth piece of swath

Ma was mad as we played in the rain when we put paper boats.
I ran in the rill by the side of the gutter, watching the floats.

Hot summer was great, swimming and diving sea urchins to find,
Then, it is eaten with bread, oil, tomatoes, and fruit of every kind.

28 September 2018

Note:  I wrote this pem ages ago but never posted.  Unfortunately we are in the brink of a new war.

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sara Etgen-Baker July 30, 2026 at 5:37 PM your memories were beautiful and touching. Thanks for sharing....wishing you well, Sara

Ink Empress July 24, 2026 at 1:01 PM I felt it deeply as I read “ Ma was mad as we played in the rain when we put paper boats. I ran in the rill by the side of the gutter, watching the floats.” Sigh what a most poignant and powerful poem dear victor! Theres a war going on, and the world is no longer blind… this is a fave for me ~ Sending you light always

Zyrool Gifford July 24, 2026 at 2:56 AM Hello Victor, despite the horrors it’s so nice to read you and your friends were able to make some beautiful memories together. I am petrified of what’s coming next. Wishing you a beautiful day, my friend.

Hilda Greenhough July 21, 2026 at 10:41 PM Your thoughts instill hope to me. May you always be safe Victor.

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri July 21, 2026 at 10:04 AM Recollections of war times inked awesomely in super rhyme scheme. Kudos!! >>>>>>>><<<<<<<^--_Plz plz also read and comment on my newest poem

Andrea Dietrich July 20, 2026 at 11:16 PM Even after war, children can find a world of imagination. Love the nostalgia here

Evelyn Judy Buehler July 20, 2026 at 1:37 PM In a post war world, there is still hope in the laughter of children. Thanks for sharing this interesting, wonderfully written poem. :)

Kim Rodrigues July 20, 2026 at 11:37 AM Nice treasured gem! Enjoyed!

Silent One July 20, 2026 at 10:59 AM Your poem is fitting for many a soldiers tale that many will relate to.. as always you write it so well... Do you really think there will be another war? I cant see it spreading out from the middle east... Sad that it is happening.

Silent One July 20, 2026 at 10:59 AM Your poem is fitting for many a soldiers tale that many will relate to.. as always you write it so well... Do you really think there will be another war? I cant see it spreading out from the middle east... Sad that it is happening.

Hiya Sharma July 20, 2026 at 9:03 AM Sigh.. amidst the uncertainties of the world that revolve around us today, this write really gives us an impression and reflection of what things a war leads too.. the perspectives and the struggle.. yet the inextinguishable flame the burns within! Your words really brought the visuals alive ~ very profound, deep and rooted in the soul of resilience as well as profound ache.. thank you for sharing this poem with us! I'm glad that you decided to take it out from the vault and post here ~ sending light and best wishes always.

Sara Kendrick July 20, 2026 at 5:06 AM Yes, Victor, we do not know what will happen from what is going on in the world at the present. I hope it doesn't escalate. Despite war and the effects of what does to an area and the men who had to go and fight, children seem to be able to still find means of entertainment or play. God's way of helping the young ones make it through terrible things and remain stable or sane. I enjoyed reading these simple lines of truth. Sara K.

Sotto Poet July 20, 2026 at 2:18 AM This poem beautifully reflects the enduring strength of youth with its visual authenticity and profound emotional impact. Well done, Victor.

Anne-Lise Andresen July 20, 2026 at 1:49 AM - Happy days despite the scars from the ravages of war, Victor - A lovely poem :) - hugs

Ghairo Daniels July 20, 2026 at 1:24 AM Lovely memory write, Victor. War brings sadness & sorrow though your poem shows that life goes on, irrespective. There is always some kind of abundance during any war, just depends where we put our focus. I lived through & participated in the war against Apartheid, being tortured in solitary confinement prison. Though I agree with you ~ I wouldn’t change anything as I learnt soo much + my compassion for human suffering increased exponentially. Nothing I experienced was not a lesson by Divinity’s injunctions. ThkU for sharing, Vicks - have a good day. X.

Christuraj Alex July 19, 2026 at 11:24 PM This poem is deeply moving, carrying an authentic, cinematic quality that captures the resilience of childhood. Great work.

Paige Hind July 19, 2026 at 10:47 PM interesting memoirs