Drôle de guerre

The Caledon Baths Hotel, where the author was born, sometime in the 1930s

This lovely September weekend,

With such great plans to go outdoors,

Let us not forget the perfect spring and summer

Of 1940—what they called "the Phoney War.”

On my birthday, the USSR invaded Finland,

Poor Poland already divvied up with Hitler.

What did I care—at only 1!—

Who enjoyed the autumn sun?

Grown-ups playing at good manners,

Clad in the Thirties' cool attire,

Oblivious of dismal Death’s impending feast,

The Luftwaffe revving up, the Spitfires freshly greased,

Alas, our pleasant, pink-shaded empire

Had but scant concept of the beast!

Sunday, September 14, 2025