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"‘Frank’ Talks as Ukraine Pushes Germany for Tanks."
War in Ukraine - BBC News Internet 21 January 2023

I don’t know why the BBC News heading
uses my name in speech literals
But there it is in black and white, ‘Frank talks.’
It preyed on my mind as I entered
the supermarket for the weekly shop
Something I have had to do this past six months
I’m used to finding most of the shopping list now
Just needing help with: fresh soup, custard slices
and essence of vanilla - homemade ice cream.

I ask one of the shelf-stackers,
‘Is whipping cream the same as single cream.’
I am spared the pitying look
They are used to me now, the lost octogenarian
among the tiers of produce

President Zelensky is begging for more tanks
German politicians agonise
They don’t want to provoke Russia
Half of German women were raped in WW2
I know they shudder at the thought
Is former President Trump trumpeting
his delight that he was right
at Germany freeloading within NATO

I remember Finland in the Winter War
No country but Sweden sent them help
Finland sank, giving up land
and towns to the aggressor.

The girl at counter nine smiles and is kind
Such a nice smile, the glory of youth.
At the café I order a shot of Americano
The woman frowns when I ask for cream
Maybe it’s meant to be without cream
I don’t know. A customer tucks
into a huge British breakfast
The women behind takes up two seats
There were no fat Britons in 1943

I skid on the ice as I park
my trolley. My thoughts percolate
the effects of omentum cancer and then
of frostbitten soldiers In frozen trenches waiting
for the coming Spring Offensive.

Good poem! I enjoyed the interweaving of personal observations with the political ones. This self defacing humor really draws me to the character. I like the N a lot.

Thanks Bob, yes, he's a crusty old character.

Hi Frank

Yes, I enjoyed this journal poem


Poignant finale



Michael (MV)

Thanks Michael