Where were you during the war?

How many times did she tell
about the evenings playing card
soldiers knocking on the door
the hatch underneath the hay.

Where were you during the war?
We all laugh together
such a perfect imitation of grandma
whose health was already failing
hilarious.

The old spirit creeps
into the new times
they were there heroes without names
made room at the table
for a lifelong game of chess.

Where were you during the war?
Our other grandma responded with
‘Well, at home, of course’

They were the same age
both little girls still
a difference of fifty
bombs to the west.

The question comes up again
not as easy as we thought
not so funny anymore
where are we during the war?

Translation: Trevor Scarse