Every soldier has stories: some they hold tight and close to their hearts, some they will share at appropriate times. The poems in this book are based on my remembrances of my father, Jim Alexander, who served overseas with the Canadian Armed Forces, Lincoln and Welland Regiment, during World War II. Sometimes, when we’d be together, sharing
tea or a wee dram, he’d suddenly recant one of his stories. I always wanted to listen, to hear them, and I have never forgotten them.
These are stories that are fascinating as well as horrifying (Once in a French Chateau), some even painted with the black humour that can accompany a will to live (A Tough Old Bird), and some border on the miraculous (Tiger, Tiger, and The Sweater). Many returning soldiers were so traumatized by their experiences that they could never talk about them. I am most grateful to my father that he was able to share parts of his life, which at the time, was still very difficult for him. He seemed to sense the importance of his experiences. The events experienced by front line soldiers need to be shared and remembered. In this way, the true horror of war never leaves those of us lucky enough not to have to slide or sleep in mud and blood, aim guns at our brothers on the other side, or to dig slit trenches at the drop of a helmet. Maybe by remembrance, we can pull together as a species, end the horror of mass violence, and learn to survive together, and focus instead, on saving this amazing planet from ourselves.