Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Remembrance of WWII and Vietnam. An Email from Loren. An email from Loren appeared, responding to my 'Gaza' poem-- 'Beyond a threshold. It is hard to understand the scale of tragedy and loss. I recently looked back on the tragedy that was WWII. I knew it was catastrophic, but comprehending death In the thousands/hundreds of thousands/millions is near impossible. Difficult subject to tackle at 0800 Hours (the time of my 'Gaza' poem) or any time!' My email response to Loren-- Yes, WWII. I was four, but remember the conclusion. My father was involved in developing The O2 pilots' breathing mask. He had many interesting and harrowing tales Which he related to his three children over the years. I cannot look at the horrible films about such any more. I declared myself a pacifist in 1966 amidst the Vietnam fiasco. Trying times with all that and attempting to finish Grad school ! My number for the draft was never called, But I was ready to choose among three-- A1 ambulance, prison, or flee to Canada. I believe now I would have chosen Canada And I would have become a passionate patriot ! (Who knows.) Be well and stay in touch. I need the voice of youth To surround me and help maintain some equilibrium. As ever, Frank. Frank Maurer 19 November 2023 1035 Hours.