Liberation Perspectives

This wonderful drawing by Natalia Borovkova illustrates the central them of liberation, which is not just about freedom but also about the freedom to live in peace, and the importance of reconciliation with nations that had been enemies in past times.

This poem looks at the first Liberation day from two perspectives, that of the Islanders, and that of the Germans. In 1940, the Islanders faced an uncertain future, but in 1945, it was the German troops who faced the uncertain future.

Liberation Perspectives

We are free at last, our captivity over
Now Churchill’s speech, heard at last
Vera Lynn sings, White Cliffs of Dover
Our spirit unbroken, remained steadfast

Captivity now, at the end of the war
Surrender signed, soon time to go
A last look back at the Island shore
A future uncertain, nothing we know

Liberation day, and reconciliation too
On Noirmont point, a wind blows strong
A time for memory, and for hope anew
Wreaths are laid, and we sing our song

Liberation day, free as a white dove in flight
The wind blows strong, may peace be in sight