innsbruck, autumn ’43

in the quaint town of innsbruck, in ’43,
a baby girl was born, her existence jubilee
from humble kin, love’s essence pure,
in the old town’s charm, her destiny would endure.

amidst the alpine peaks and cobbled streets,
the bakery stood, where joy and love would meet.
her mother, just twenty, a tender soul,
in the kneading of dough, her dreams would unfold.

yet war’s shadow loomed, casting fearsome strife,
tears stained the town, disrupting peaceful life.
allied forces fought, to north africa’s coast,
and italy surrendered, its fate engrossed.

in distant skies, dambuster raids took flight,
on german dams, daring hearts took the fight.
in warsaw’s ghetto, an uprising’s poignant cry,
courageous souls refused to die.

in the face of shortages, rationing’s deep like sea,
america felt the war’s harsh decree.
but amidst the trials and wartime grief,
glenn miller’s music brought sweet relief.

the pentagon rose, the world’s largest abode,
a symbol of strength on freedom’s code.
amidst the turmoil, war’s tempestuous roar,
allied forces invaded italy’s distant shore.

forced to leave their home, innsbruck’s abode,
they sought refuge in salzburg, a distant episode.
in a city unknown, with hearts heavy yet strong,
they started anew, amidst a world gone wrong.

young elizabeth thrived, resilience her crown,
a spirit resilient, her dreams revived and renown.
her mother’s love, an anchor in the stormy seas,
in the face of uncertainty, love kept them at ease.

the hills of bavaria, a ensemble of solace,
where echoes of hope and laughter would trace.
through struggles and sorrows, they persevered,
in the face of adversity, their devotion was revered.

in the quiet moments, amidst the strife,
elizabeth’s spirit soared, like a bird in flight.
her dreams took shape, mighty and grand,
a story to remember, to understand.

in the tapestry of time, let her story remind,
the strength of the human spirit, forever enshrined.
for even in the darkest hour, self-faith prevails,
a new saga, a resilient tale.