I Heard Marlene Dietrich Sing

Saw some 1920’s photos
when we had ended all the wars
thinking we would all be rich
livin’ fat and driving fancy cars

But it didn’t quite turn out that way
as kids went over there again
once more to see the sights of France,
island beaches; Italy

But then we knew we’d get it right
in Levittowns across the nation
but no; we sent them off again
Who is Uncle Ho Chi Minh?

Now some living in our parks
seek solace in an empty bottle
wondering how it went so wrong
fighting shadows in Mekong

I heard Marlene Dietrich sing
“Sag mir, wo die blumen sind?”
Remembering all the flowers gone
petals blow ‘cross a graveyard lawn.

.

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http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=12638&picture=military-cemetery&large=1

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About toritto

I was born during year four of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Claudius on the outskirts of the empire in Brooklyn. I married my high school sweetheart, the girl I took to the prom and we were together for forty years until her passing in 2004. We had four kids together and buried two together. I had a successful career in Corporate America (never got rich but made a living) and traveled the world. I am currently retired in the Tampa Bay metro area and live alone. One of my daughters is close by and one within a morning’s drive. They call their pops everyday. I try to write poetry (not very well), and about family. Occasionally I will try a historical piece relating to politics. :-)
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2 Responses to I Heard Marlene Dietrich Sing

  1. sojourner says:

    Poignant and beautiful!

    Thank you!

    Like

  2. Powerful images of the illusions and costs of war, Frank. Will we ever learn that war never leads to peace?

    Like

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