Occupation, Liberation

Seventy-five years ago we lived

in fear. Menfolk absent or obeisant:
we women uncertain, scared
yet brave.
What courage it took to live a daily life
cheerfully for children.
Liberation brought
the freedom
to live our lives unfettered
once again.
Be thankful.

Such jubilation – free at last
from German domination.
For five long years our every move
under scrutiny, our lives stolen.
Yet liberation did not come to all.
We grieved
for those still imprisoned in a foreign land.
Even more
For those lives
snatched early.

Freedom lifts our spirits.
Memories of loss
remain.
Our present
still haunted by our past.
Never forget those sacrifices.