Paul F. McCann

PROMISES FOR RATION BOOKS

The real character of people is tested in any war.
For those on the downside there were opportunities galore.
Wartime created havoc from misfortune and poverty.
The hungry too weak to fight and the innocent could not see.
It was dog eat dog once again and man’s inhumanity.
As the troops came in the crooks moved out and begged for some mercy.
For the black market was their playground during the time of war.
Shopkeepers were guilty of stealing ration books by the score.
Bartering soap and spuds for promises of sugar and tea.
The ship never came in because it had been sunk out at sea.