The Bitter tears of war

On October 13^th 1943 Italy declared war on Germany. This was a time for many tears and heartaches as wives lost their sons and husbands and sisters lost their brothers and fathers. At night I would hear Mama’s beautiful voice singing a sad song about loss and love. It made me cry to think of those poor men out on the battle field trying to win freedom. And the day came when my brother packed his bag and bade us farewell. It was not easy to say good-bye to a lifelong companion. The thought that I might not ever see him again hung over us all. We all stood on the porch and waved to him. Mama was crying so hard Papa had to put his arm around her. Why did he have to make this choice? We all wondered. I asked Papa that when he tucked me in that night. “Why does anybody want to risk their life in the war, Papa?” I said. It was dark so I couldn’t see him, but his voice was husky as he answered, “Well, sweetheart, I really don’t know why other people do it, but I do know that your brother loves his country and wants to preserve it as well as he can. He is a true patriot.” Then he turned towards to the door and whispered, “Good-night!” 

As the war progressed it was not uncommon to see hurt soldiers leaning on trees or laying in the grass. Mama never wanted us to go outside without Papa or her because she was afraid it was not safe to go out and play anymore. At night I could hear her crying and Papa’s reassuring words. If only my brother knew the problems he had caused maybe he would come back and it would be alright again. But it was too late.

I knew it would come and it did. One morning Papa came to the table with the news that we would have to sell all the animals except the cow to be able get enough food on the table. The rations weren’t enough for us and we just didn’t have the money to buy all the food and keep the animals alive. I knew I was as hard for Papa as it was for the rest of us to get rid of our roan mare. We had had her for eighteen years. And Papa loved her very much. But it had to happen and it did. I almost hated that cow. She was so skinny and it seemed useless with the little milk she gave us. And we had to get rid of the roan because of her, the awful beast.

One night I dreamed that we were all together for Christmas and we gathered in front of the tree. I slipped my hand into my brother’s and we looked at the candles that lit it. We spent all day together and laughed about our past problems. All cares seemed to be gone. I woke up and looked for him but all I saw was my room. I laid down in bed and thought about my dream. I wanted to dream it all over but all I could think about was the war and how it had taken him away from me. I cried myself to sleep that night and for once I wished that I was able to sleep with someone. It seemed comforting to have another person there with me. I always thought that having my own room was so wonderful but ever since the war broke out and my brother left I wished I didn’t. I walked into Sam’s room and saw him cuddled up to Sandy. They had such peace.  I loved them so much. I walked back to my room through the hallway. And for the first time I kneeled by my bed and said, “Please bless my brother and Papa and Mama and Sam and Sandy, Amen.”  ~     The End