Before The Next Bombs Fall Poem by Joseph Anderson

Before The Next Bombs Fall

Rating: 5.0


Written sometime in 1944, when I was a 19 plus year
old member of the U.S.Air Force and troubled by the
tragedies of war.

I hear the song of driven winds
Against the barrack walls;
The sounds a memory to me sends,
Of angry barroom brawls.

We boys are in a great unease,
But speak of usual things,
Of women, alcoholic sprees
And what the morrow brings.

Come morn we are over Dover,
In flight to Germany
And when this war is over
Perhaps, Europe may be free.

Death and destruction lie ahead,
Dropped from where eagles fly;
For all the guiltless ones, soon dead
We cry, dear Lord, we cry.

A happy life amid the sky,
Where many dangers loom;
We pray the tides of war deny
Our flight from instant doom.

A happy life amid the sky,
My God, where did I find this lie?

Can we ever repay the people of England
For their determined resistance to the
Nazi's aggression?

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Wendy Thopliss 07 December 2010

Such a lovely poem.It's because of people like you a lot of us here on poem hunter are able to express our feeling's today.Well done and thank you.

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Pranab K Chakraborty 08 December 2010

A beautiful poem combined with passion, pain, lamentation and wisdom. As a reader, I think its a creation strictly universal for all ages. Actually it has crossed the time-bar. Last four lines so uniquely you have planted, more than its imagery and metaphors, conscious is being pinned by its accuracy. Thank you poet, really grateful for your sharing. As if history is still not history, it is alive with us. Write more poet.....LIVE LONG..... Regards, pranab 10+++++

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Sally Plumb Plumb 04 January 2011

A touching piece of writing, Try 'Confrontation'.

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Lynn Glover 21 January 2011

Beautifully written poem by someone who experienced trials of war. My experiences were dring the Korean War with the United States Navy along with my two brothers. Thanks for a great poem about a great cause.

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Heather Wilson 11 May 2012

A very clever poem written by a nineteen year old, (or any age come to that) so touching, caring and I think Sir it`s England who should be thanking you and your comrades for your help in our feedom today. thank you.

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Patricia Grantham 11 March 2013

I really thought a lot about this poem and how you expressed it as a young lad. The ravages of war can take it's toll on a lot of people. We should always honor our Veterans who gave of their lives and who are still here with us. Gos bless all of our Veterans! !

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John Brown 28 September 2012

I agree with Heather, in that we owe a great debt of gratitude to our American allies for their invaluable assistance in that horrendous war. From what I have learnt about it, we would surely have lost without them. Great poem Joseph - and thanks.

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Valsa George 23 August 2012

A first hand experience of the trauma and horrors of war! A moving description! !

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Richard Lackman 28 July 2012

Joe, you are right. I enjoyed it very much. It is obviously the words of someone who experienced the tragedy of war. Thanks, Dick Lackman

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Smoky Hoss 26 July 2012

Joe, You were there. What you, and all the others there saw and endured, we of any younger age can only imagine. It's best we hear truth from souls like you, and for that truth, and for what you (and so many others) went through and gave I say thanks. These words ring with a truth that's as real as living, and dying. Words that some may not get, but surely still must feel. Great poem Joseph.

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