23
Homebound
by economic
and social
standing, she
managed bore-dom
by seek-ing
outlets.
“It’s go, go,
or do, do some-thing
all the
time. I’m chief
cook and bottle
washer. I need a
rest but I don’t
know where I
will get it.”
Keeping
three scrap-books
helped
detour inac-tivity.
She
must have
read, clipped
and glued
multitudes of
“The Kaiser he went up the hill
To take a peek at France
The Kaiser he came down the hill
With bullets in his pants”
“Viola is my name.
Single is my station.
Happy be the little man
That makes the alteration.”
And: “When the cruel war is ended
And the boys all come back,
Wonder who will rock the cradle,
Wilbur, Joe, or Jack?”
— Viola
magazine items — the war, Americana patriotism and the military, poems, cartoons,
happy scenes, fashion, children, animals, advertisements and anything heartfelt.
Determining whether her jottings are originals or someone else’s is difficult. Meant
for outside eyes, or just hers?
It was always Wilbur, although she jealously poked his Alexandria and Charleston
experiences.
“Wilbur, have you forgotten the first night you came here? I haven’t. I wonder
who is that little Virginia maiden you are hearing from. Oh well I won’t get jealous.”
Referring to “pretty girls,” she continued: “When you come back I’ll show you I
know how too.”
From Wrightsville Beach: “You mean to tell me you don’t notice those good look-ing
‘little angels’ as I will call them. It isn’t natural in a boy not to. If you ever marry
or go with any I want you to always think of the little girl me you met.”
How my Father accepted this disposition and nurtured their affection baffles me.
He appears more settled and confident, for after all, he left the farm to patriotically
volunteer for war service. He balanced her overtures with lower-key endearments,
today rather mushy. Remember, he is 11 years older. Despite his roots, he remained
the quintessential Southern gentleman.
“Dear you know that if this war was over I hardly see how I could let you wait
many more years, that is if you would marry me.”
“Sweetheart, I dream for you and I to be married for I know we could make a
sweet little home. If I never come back from the war to be with you, why you can
hardly say that your best friend on earth is gone. Though Viola back to you I am
coming and, gee, that will be the happiest time of my life.”
Exchanging photographs fueled their relationship. She requested more, promised
more, and admired his Navy suit.
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM