She Never Married
For Vivian Taylor, A Friend and Landlady
(*loosely based on her story)
“Sweet lover, be safe as you fly from this place
To your missions in the Pacific.
I will await your return for then do we wed
After Guam, Midway, and ‘Unspecific.’”
Many letters she wrote, many pictures she sent,
Care packages when she was able…
While meanwhile she worked as a nurse and an aide
Though times were very unstable.
Sometimes he would write when he had the time
For combat, of time, was commanding.
Assuring him forever she would be true
Even though he was not so demanding.
This gave them both hope and a measure of joy
In the face of great fearful unknowing
Of where he would be, or if he would be
A part of a blood crop then sowing.
A year thereabout after he flew
Away from his love at the airport,
Two soldiers in blue came to her home
With the most regrettable report.
She took it quite well until they were gone
Then she collapsed on the sunroom divan,
Crying, “Sweet lover, be safe as you fly from this place
Until I join you in your mission in heaven.”
© Copyright, Daphne Yvonne Bradshaw, 2000.
All rights reserved.
