A Poem by Margaret Joiner – 2022
I really can’t remember the exact day in September
When the whole world was at war.
Because I was only six months old,
Perhaps a little more.
But I vividly recall the Anderson Shelter, big and tall.
Which stood on the earth covered in turf!
This was to delude the enemy bombers
Who were frighteningly rude.
This shelter was cold and awfully damp
And a jar with a candle was our only lamp.
Toes tingled with cold
And we were urged to be brave and bold.
At night mother coped
With four children all alone
Because father was on patrol
In the streets away from home
Ration Books were issued
And points and coupons were used.
Children were given orange juice and malt
And hot school meals were served with pepper and salt
At school our health was noted
Ears, eyes and teeth were sorted
It was such a great lark – like playing in the park
To leave our lessons for a head check with Nitty Nora
I remember our home fires were kept burning
With sea coal raked from the sand.
Extra heat was usually provided
By gathering unwanted wood from the Steel works land.
I remember eating some very strange things
Sizinglass and powdered eggs were alright
But snook, whale meat and tripe tasted awful
And certainly gave us a fright.
I remember the talk of a bride so joyful
Wearing a dress made from parachute landfall
Which felt like silk and looked like pearl
She was indeed a very happy girl
Mother’s cooking was rather adventurous
And her cakes were truly delicious
We had parsnip macaroons and almond tarts from semolina
Of her baking she couldn’t have been prouder
I remember the indoor Morrison Shelter
Which took up most of the floor
We loved sleeping in this metal cage
And not going out in the night anymore
When the war ended on VE Day
And a street Party was held Hooray!
The cakes, sandwiches and jelly
Were laid on long tables, looking so jolly.
This special day fell on my brother’s birthday
He was thrilled with all the food, fun and games to play
He thought it had all been arranged
Just for his birthday
They said the First World War would end all wars
I wish I could say this is true
But alas the world, once again,
Is in terrible conflict and pain
And our thoughts are with the brave people of the Ukraine.