“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.