Flash Narrative Tuesday is a way to share my current work in progress, a book based on the Great Plains diaries of my great-aunt Hattie, which she kept from 1920-1957. For more background information on the project, go here.
Churchill waving to crowds at Whitehall, London on the day he announced the war with Germany had been won, 8 May 1945
This week’s narrative takes a bit of a new turn. I’ve always been a big fan of Karen Hesse’s Out of the Dust, a work of historical fiction for children (and adults) told through poetry. I thought it would be fun to allow Hattie to be a poet.
May 8, 1945: A Day One Comments On
The day began like any other in early
May, the morning sun cast shadows long
The south wind close, a frantic whisper old and
New, until at eight a.m. when President
Harry Truman announced on this day, his birthday
That Germany had quit the war, having surrendered
In a little red school house in France, Eisenhower’s
Headquarters—”This is a solemn but glorious hour”
Churchill in England and King George the Sixth spoke
I heard them over the radio, London and Paris
Rejoice, but solemn prayers all instead of
Wild stuff, for we lost so many lives
This is a day one comments on. V. E. Day
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Very well done.
Thank you.
It was fun to write.
Lisa, I love what you’ve done with this selection, especially how you include a photo of the original. And, the title is perfect!
Christi, thank you! I really enjoy delving into the history behind her entries.