Page 10 - A Qualified Acceptance of Sorrow

The Cold War: A Florida Childhood

Not understanding the danger,

responding only to the sirens,
we ducked under tables at school.

We played spies at Grandma & Grandpa’s,
pretended our pens had a dual purpose –

charm bracelet pianos guarded secret messages.

Johnny Rivers singing “Secret Agent Man”

dreamy Illya Kuryakin, mod Emma Peel
Rocky and Bullwinkle vs Boris and Natasha –

I learned by osmosis the importance
of laughter; internalized fear,

not understanding the danger.