This second poem captures the essence of wartime correspondence. It's structured as a personal letter from someone at home to an airman serving abroad, identified by his "silver wings."
I’m Writing to An Airman
by Patricia Savage
I’m writing to an airman who wears those silver wings,
And I have lots to tell him ‘bout home & other things.
I wonder when I’m writing just what it’s like to be,
Flying high above the clouds or over the turbulent sea.
I tell him of the songs I hear, they seem to interest him,
Of the garden’s coming on & of his dog called Kim.
Of course, I mention rationing of butter, eggs & such,
Then tell him of the film I saw, which wasn’t up to much.
I saw his mother yesterday, of course, I tell him that,
And then I guiltily mention my new three-guinea hat.
I say I love him truly, for this is near the end,
Wish him luck in his exams & then some kisses send.
But this I do not tell him when he is far away,
That I’m so very much afraid of the flying he calls play.
I’m writing to an airman, ( I think I said before )
One day my task will finish, when peace has come once more.
The poem employs a simple, conversational tone with rhyming couplets, giving it a rhythmic, almost song-like quality.
The narrator details the contents of their letter, which includes everyday news from home about the garden and the airman's dog, mentions of rationing, and personal activities like watching films. These mundane topics are interspersed with expressions of love and support, creating a poignant contrast between the normalcy of home life and the implied dangers of war.
Despite the seemingly ordinary nature of the letter's contents, there's an underlying current of worry and fear. This becomes particularly evident in the final stanza, where the narrator reveals their deep concern for the airman's safety - a sentiment they deliberately omit from the actual letter. This highlights the common wartime practice of putting on a brave face for loved ones serving in the military.
The poem touches on several themes, including the stark contrast between civilian life and the perils of war, the emotional toll of separation, and the anticipation of peace and reunion. Historical context is provided through references to rationing and the mention of a "three-guinea hat," firmly placing the narrative in the World War II era. Overall, the poem effectively conveys the complex emotions and experiences of those left behind during wartime.
Port Moresby, New Guinea. August 1942.
Kittyhawk fighter pilots of No. 75 Squadron RAAF, during a break in operations against the Japanese.
Left to right: Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) L. D. Wintlen; Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) L. D. Jackson, Commanding Officer of the Squadron, who with his older brother, Sqn Ldr John Jackson (killed in action 28 April 1942), Flt Lt J. W. W. Piper and Flying Officer P. A. Masters fought fearlessly with the rest of the outnumbered Squadron
