Teenagers going to
IWO JIMA

By Arthur J Sparks

...“OK, recruits and families,” the Petty Officer barked, “you have five minutes and then you Navy people must board the train to Great Lakes. Please, no crossing the rope.”   Alicia leaned against the rope. We embraced and kissed.
   “What am I going to do after the five minutes pass?” Alicia asked.   “Listen to me,” I said, “there is a restaurant in the station... Go and have a double order of blueberry pancakes.... then go to the Ohio Theater . ‘Gone With The Wind’ is showing--Buy two tickets and wait...”  Alicia interrupted, “Why two tickets?”
“The second one is for me in case I jump ship and join you,” I whispered in her ear hearing my own heart pounding.
“Arthur J you are crazy!” Alicia said.    “I know, but when Scarlett says her famous words, ‘I will think about this tomorrow,’ get up and go home...Tell our friends..‘Arthur J has left'... but know that I will come back into your life.

As we neared the steps going down to the boarding area — the five minutes had ended long ago — I leaned to her and we kissed.
I said, “I will never forget you, Precious.”
Alicia mouthed the words, “I will always love you, Arthur J.”
Alicia’s big blue eyes overflowed with tears as I walked down the steps, out of her life forever.

I remember some words from a freshman English class that seem fitting.

For of all sad words of tongue or pen.
The saddest are these........

“.......It might have been.”
.....................From ‘Maud Muller’ by John Greenleaf Whittier

ALSO Arthur J's FIRST BOOK.....

Ruthii

The Days of '43

By Arthur J Sparks

One Summer a young boy leaves his home farm in Kentucky to begin his life's journey. He travels to Columbus, Ohio, working in a glass factory, with a hidden goal to thereafter talk his parents into signing papers so he can join the Navy and leave for War.

The story begins with a special innocence that becomes more rich as he finds his path and makes life-long friends--touching many lives, bringing many smiles, and creating a legacy in the hearts of all.

Mostly true, with a bit of an ornery 'stretch' as only Arthur J can do. A must-read for all. You will laugh out loud, as well as be drawn to a heartfelt reality for the beauty of life.

Arthur J continues to reside in Columbus, Ohio. He is the Father of two children, Stephen and Patti, a Grandfather to Ryan, and a true Masterpiece of a Friend to all he meets. Arthur J is currently writing the next squel which you won't want to miss.

THANKS DAD, we are so proud of you.

ask the Author direct

To everything there is truly a season,
We stay and do...while we are needed..in the shoes that we need to fill...
when the leather gets worn, and the path is well-learned...
we kick off the shoes of the past.. and create our new 'footprints'...
Always giving much thanks for the colors we have been blessed to see...
the lives we have been so fortunate to touch...and to those who
have so deeply touched us.