A poem for D-Day
“Normandy Invasion”
By Paul Willis
Across the sands of Normandy
They came up from the sea.
For many days and nights,
They fought to set a nation free.
To those who struggled there
The hedgerows are where the
Fires of Hell burned bright.
For the shell bursts without
Letup continued day and night.
This brought the cries of “Medic!”
As the shrapnel spread far and wide,
For many there were wounded.
Also, many died.
The horror of the
Hedgerows will always haunt
The ones there those summer days.
For no matter how hard you try to forget
The memory always stays.
Now the evening hours are here for
That fading generation, who so long ago
Fought for a poor enslaved Nation. So may
You who listen try to understand, and
Remember those who lie in a far off land.
Reflections of a World War II Veteran: Poems About War and Life by Paul Willis is available at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville, City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville, and several area retail stores.