Dear Mama

By LoLeta Totton



I must go; though I know you want me to stay

We’ll defend this great nation in every way



We’re fighting overseas in World War Two

Please pray for me, like I’ve seen you do



Don’t worry mama I’ll come home to you

I’ll do everything that you taught me to



I’ll attend church in the field whenever I can

I’ll take Holy Communion even in the sand



I’ll treat my brothers-in-arms with respect

I’ll watch their backs and try to protect



Anzio Beach is our next battle mission

Say an extra prayer we get past this position



I’m sorry mama but I’ve been badly hurt

First aid said to lie on the Battlefield dirt



I’ve been shot in the legs, both left and right

I’ve been severely wound during the fight



I am anxious and get up to run

But Mama I can’t think right, I’m numb



There was incoming as I ran that day

All the mortar fire was coming my way



North of Anzio is where God took me in His arms

I’m safe now mama; no one can do me any harm



Love, Lindon



Dear son,



I saw your daddy walking slowly up the hill

There’s something in his hand; I assume it’s a bill





It’s May 1943, we heard from Uncle Sam

What your daddy had in hand was a telegram



The telegram said you were MIA

My heart was broken that very day



my son come home to me; I pray

I can’t cry another tear one more day



Your buddy wrote to tell us you had been shot

And that first aid rushed to your side, he thought



I’ve written to the Arm to see what they’ll send

Could a local family have taken you in



They replied they talked to locals which was protocol

But none had taken in any injured soldiers at all



I tried my best to find you on my own

But no one will help me; I feel so alone



My son, my Lindon, where have you gone

I need you; I’ve become so withdrawn



We hung the gold star banner today

But I’m going to wait for you anyway



I am waiting for God to take me in His arms someday

So I can hold my hero, my son, Lindon one-day



Love,  mama