Every Sunday night
about 9 o'clock
the ghost radio booms
with the voice
of Walter Winchell-
"Good evening Mr.and Mrs. America-
and all the ships at sea-
lets go to press!!!!"
Anxiously, we listen
to news of fractured ships,
planes, and young hearts.
Mothers hang Gold Stars
in windows with resignation.

One by one boys
disappear to become men,
wails of sirens beckon
the black shades down
as the city pretends
to vanish.
Service men invade
the streets
with youthful optimism.
Sammy Kaye follows
Walter Winchell-the Kaye
Band plays in smooth brass
"When the Lights go on Again
All Over the World",
and we sleep while starlight
falls in tears
on fresh snow.

09/03/2003

Posted on 09/03/2003
Copyright © 2026 Jane E Pearce