Daddy Has To Go Off To War
Author Joy L. Hale     All rights reserved

In Hushed whispers around the family breakfast table
I first heard the words daddy has to go off to war
Head hung low, choking over her words
Mother said, "how will we manage without him?
And what of the little one? She is such a daddy's girl"
Shush! War news on the radio. So many bombs falling
Knitted brows and fear in mother's eyes.
I'm scared.

No more trips to gramma's house  'Cause gasoline is scarce
Oh, dear. I will so miss gramma
Food ration stamps. Long lines.
Sorry honey, no more bacon. Why can't I have my bacon?
I don't understand

Sobbing into the soft, familiar fur of my cherished teddy
My simple child's voice cries out...
WHY does daddy have to go to war?  No one answers me

Then it was time.....

Resignation and sadness seemed to weigh him down
As he kneeled to gather me gently in his arms
Tears filled his eyes and in a tight, raspy voice he said to me
"Don't forget me.  Be a good girl."  His mouth continued to move,
But my heart did not remember the rest of his words.

I only remember the knot of pain that would not allow me to speak
And the tears that stung my cheeks.
"Please don't cry," he said.  "I won't be gone too long.  You'll see."

But it WAS a long time.
My daddy had to leave me. My daddy had to go off to war.

Joy Hale
Copyright
All Rights Reserved