An Old Man Remembers the Blitz
You treated me to an evening of string quartets. The music was sublime, but I was only aware of you, sitting beside me. Your lily-of-the-valley scent, the soft glow of you dressed all in white, like a bride. If only I had reached for your hand…
After the concert we walked city streets shining with rain, your hair curling from the mist, the street lights framing you with golden halos. Heart of my heart, if only I had kissed you…
The next day, the bombs fell. Oh my dearest, if only I had told you how much I loved you…
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSuch poignancy and yearning . . . We can smell her lily-of-the-valley scent, see her hair curling in the rain, feel his memories . . .
How very sad Juma, so many if only’s. I’m sure we’ve all had these. Beautifully written and a love that shines through from beginning to end.
Thank you Linda. I’ve read so much about World War II and the Blitz. I wasn’t born yet when London was being bombed, but I can imagine the pain and loss. I have a great tenderness for the old man and his memories, and for all who have lost a great love.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou are so right, Linda! The guilt and regret of an “if only” can be unbearable. That why we should try to live every day to the fullest and not let opportunities pass by. It’s certainly easier said than done but if we try maybe, just maybe, we may never feel the weight of “if only” on our chest.
How sad Juma. Linda hit the nail on the head when she reminded us of the things we should have said and also done. Once passed – the moment has gone! Wonderfully expressed.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Eric. Once again we are all in uncertain times, like they were during the war. May we all seize the special moments we have and not let them pass us by.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSuch a sad story Juma, if only we could have second chances in life. As Linda said, the love really shines through. A lovely piece of writing.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Carrie. Missed opportunities are so sad, but it is also beautiful how love can outlive grief and loss.
A very poetic and sensitively written piece, Juma. I love the way you get all senses expressed in the small format: sound, smell, and visual aspect. And sadly, the sense of touch is missing in the memory of the hero, which led to the tragedy that the hearts never joined. Very well written!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleTears are running down my cheeks! As sorrowful as this story is, the saddest part is that this is a real life event.