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IF WAR WAS TOLD IN A CHILDREN'S BOOK
The sky was filled with planes on that cold, cold wet day
We heard the bombs exploding…we were too scared to play.
They killed some of our neighbors and friends…that’s what bombs are meant to do
We held on to one another hoping they would not kill us too.
Mom said, “Grab what you can…we must leave at first light.”
“We’re heading to safety…Dad will stay here and fight.”
The next morning we left…as bombs bursted in air
with only the clothes our our backs…I brought Teddy Bear.
It was loud…it was scary…smoke filled the skies
I couldn’t see Dad wave…there were tears in my eyes.
We walked and we walked…my feet were so sore
Mom said, “Keep going.” Then we walked on some more.
When we finally stopped walking…strangers greeted us with a smile…
They said, “Welcome, friends, welcome…you’ll be safe here awhile.”
And though we felt safe…we were scared…we were, all of us…sad.
This wasn’t our home…we were missing our dad.
Then one day Mom came to us…she looked a little nervous and mad…
She said, “It’s time to go home, children…let’s go find your dad.”
So returning by the path we just, weeks ago, roamed…
my family, and Teddy Bear, started for home.
It was a frightening walk because, before we were through,
we saw the death and destruction bombs and bullet can do.
When we finally got home, after walking many sunsets and dawns
we found, not only our house, but our whole village…was gone.
After many days searching…we realized then…
Dad was gone too…we’ll never see him again.
So to children of all ages…here’s the message I’m sending…
most stories about war…don’t have happy endings.
Love the concept, as sad as it is that we need it
Children should be taught this way, instead of "protected" from the truth. Protection, as we see it, actually makes them completely vulnerable to the war machine, if not as victims, then as cheerleaders of the victimization of others. I find your concept brilliant.
One possible change, if I can suggest. Presented to young children, the word "destruction" would probably be a too big. For just a moment, it feels to me like it takes your piece away from it's design. Perhaps, another word or phrase that's a synonym for destruction would be more suitable.