Hopkins, Lee Bennett, compiler. 2008. America at War. Simon & Schuster. (Published March 2008)
War is not a cheery subject to read about. Obviously. And while the poems in America at War are anything but happy and enjoyable and pleasant, the poems do resonate with power and truth and authenticity. The book is arranged into sections. Every war that America has fought in from the American Revolution to the present day war in Iraq is covered in these 84 pages. The poems vary in length and in intensity. The illustrations are by Stephen Alcorn, and in my opinion they're quite good. This would be a good resource for history and drama teachers not to mention literature teachers. Roundup this week is at Cuentecitos.
A Soldier's Letter To A Newborn Daughter
by Joan Bransfield Graham
How I wanted to be
there
to hear your
first cry--
they say you have your
mother's eyes.
I've looked
at your picture
a thousand times--
made my buddies
look, too--I'm
proud of you.
I long to hold you,
kiss your head,
rock you to sleep,
but for now
I can only
keep you in a
close to my heart.
You're finally
HERE--I'm so glad!
I'm coming home
to my girls...
With all my love,
Dad
3 comments:
How heartbreaking! It is really difficult to read this one... but thanks.
I agree, the book is difficult to read because it is both sad and depressing yet touching. Very emotional in places.
I got to see a folded and gathered copy of this one last August at a seminar led by Lee. The book looked magnificent, and I've been waiting for its release to pick it up, even though I know it's going to be a difficult read. Thanks so much for featuring it, and for reminding me to look for it.
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