This And Every December

World War II for two years in Europe waged

“The War To End All Wars”-not the final stage.

Behind the curtain we ran supplies

To overwhelmed and batter’d allies.

Some Americans wanted to directly assist

But we found ways to not enlist.

Lucky Lindy said “Not our mess.”

While nations decided to acquiesce

To the Axis military machine.

For democracy, a grim scene.

Then, December 7, 1941-

Suddenly, isolationism was done.

At 7:48 in the Hawaiian morning

Came the attack without warning.

Two waves, 353 aircraft in the assault

1 hour, 15 minutes later did it halt.

As tropical paradise filled with cries

2,403 Americans met their demise.

1,177 on the U.S.S Arizona alone

At harbor’s bottom a memorial zone.

188 U.S. aircraft destroyed

Materials thrown to the void.

Before we laid all dead to rest

32nd president put to the test.

Addressed a grieving nation

Altered world’s formation

With a brief dictation

To interventionist’s elation.

USA declared war on Japan

Three days later, absent plan

Germany declared war on us

Nothing more to discuss.

Battle against fascism ensued

3.5 years later it was subdued.

80 years ago this week

Came the Rising Sun’s sneak.

Pearl Harbor, remember

This and every December.