I still remember the days of the Cuban Missile Crisis as if they were yesterday.
I still recall the look on Sister’s face as she read the memo she soon shared and displayed.
Duck and cover had no place among the wizened nuns opposed to fools at play.
Instead, we gathered in the church. Before the altar we knelt and prayed.
Then, we were sent home to be with our families, expecting missiles to fly our way.
I hurried and ran all the way home, tripping over myself, that frightening day.
Those were the days of bomb shelters dug in backyards where kids played.
Not in our yard, Dad explained. Even if we survived nuclear radiation in the bombs first hits
we would remain below for years until it was safe to come above ground, only to see
destruction all around, no food nor water safe, no crops nor animals, just empty space.
What good would such survival be? Better to die, he said,… immediately.
And so we children knew the new reality that life was under constant threat each day.
Then, Kennedy forced the Russians away from our back door until another day.
Russia has not stayed away from solemn threats to have its say and make us pay
for its failed experiment in communism as democracy gained greater sway.
China, North Korea and Iran eager to join in the latest fray.
This is nothing new, nothing unseen before. There has always been war.
Always a need to defend our doors. But, impossible to shutter doors to nuclear war.
Greed for power and wealth overcomes sanity in communism or democracy.
This war has two fronts, as all wars do: a home-front, and one off-shore.
October has returned with threats that November elections might correct.
But, once again, I am unsure if we have the guts to face down the clowns,
who play us like their fake pianos; and to shove them out of the ring, and out the door.
No duck and cover for me. I love my democracy. I will stand in the open forevermore.
I will never give in to bullies and fear. I shall stand firm and pray. Then, I shall vote.
With you by my side, we shall endure. Of this, fellow citizens, I am sure.
annarino writes 