Daddy and the MPs
by Alarie Tennille



World War II


Daddy was a flashy dresser –
added a tartan tie and derby
to his drab uniform.

“You’re in trouble this time,”
said Daddy’s buddy Dale
as the MPs approached.
Sure enough they got stopped.

“Button your pocket,”
they told Dale before walking on –
just a nod to Daddy.

Cigarettes, chocolates, booze,
favorite rations traded with the Brits –
whatever could make war
a little less hell, Master Sergeant
Tennille provided.

I laughed every time I heard it.
A paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne
didn’t have many stories
he could tell his little girl.






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