From Our Archives: Poetry From World War II
This year marks the eightieth anniversary of the outbreak of World War II.
Recently, I uncovered some poems from those dark years in our Archives. I’d like to share them with everyone.
Both of these focus on the Home Front.
“Our Women” was published in the “Friend” in January, 1943.
“We’re At War” appeared in February of that year, and was a call to all to remain cheerful and brave.
Our Women
Well, I never thought to see it: women pouring through the gate
And hurrying down the hallway lest the clock shall mark them late,
The women of the country at the factories carrying on
In the places of their menfolk who to freedom’s war have gone.
That’s a prettier box they carry than the ugly thing of tin
Which the men for years have toted, and a daintier lunch within.
But they tell me once they’ve practised and have learned the methods through
They are keeping up production as their menfolk used to do.
I watch them in the morning and I watch them homeward bound,
And I think as they go by me, here is pluck which won’t be downed!
Here is pure determination! Here are women brave and true
In the places of their menfolk who have bitterer work to do.
E.A.G.
We’re At War
Bear the hardships with a grin!
We’re at war!
Is your coat a trifle thin?
We’re at war!
Less of sugar in the tea?
Longer stay-at-homes are we?
Then contented let us be,
We’re at war!
Keep the twinkle in the eye!
We’re at war!
What if taxes seem too high?
We’re at war!
Must the mother darn the hose?
That’s one flaw which never shows.
Also everybody knows
We’re at war!
Let us keep the grumbling down.
We’re at war!
It takes little pluck to frown.
We’re at war!
Against those who do and dare
And the bitter fighting bear,
Very little seems our share,
We’re at war!
Now’s the time for being brave!
We’re at war!
If we’re forced to scrimp and save,
We’re at war!
No use grumbling; frettin’s vain
Back once more to living plain,
Let’s be patient, yes, and sane,
We’re at war!
E.A.G.
For more from our Archives, including more World War II content, click the tag below.
The “Friend” still regularly publishes poetry from our readers. Do you have something to submit? Click here for more information.
