The Desert Fox

By luigi_pagano

Sun, 01 Aug 2021
  • 1044 reads
8 comments
 

It was in June nineteen-forty-two
that the Germans captured Tobruk,
the siege was led by Erwin Rommel.
I read about it in a history book.

He was nicknamed "the Desert Fox"
for his cunning military strategy.
He had success on the battlefield
but his life ended in grim tragedy.

He'd taken part in or sanctioned
a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler,
the Teutonic notorious dictator
who survived but left very bitter.

Rommel was given two options
on which he was asked to decide:
whether to stand trial for treason
or commit suicide with cyanide.

He employed foxiness, ruthlessly,
in his career until his last breath
but all his expedient stratagems
didn't prevent his untimely death.

 

© Luigi Pagano 2021

Certificate U
Poem
Cherry ripe
Historical Fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Interesting and succinct telling of his story. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks, Rhiannon. There is only so much that can be said in a short piece but it gives an insight into what enhanced his reputation; as a shrewd military tactician.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

It looks like you know a lot about this man Erwin Rommel. Some interesting information I had no idea about Luigi. Great idea for the I P also.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Jenny. As soon as I saw the I.P. prompt, his nickname came to mind. I remembered those events even though I was only seven at the time. As I remarked, history books increased my knowledge.

xx

 

Submitted by marandina on

Nicely done, sir. You are a master of rhythm, Luigi. Paul.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Your approval is much appreciated, Paul Thanks.

 

Submitted by Nolan on

My grandfather was in the Africa Campaign he was taken prisoner early in the war at Tobruk. He was in POW camps most of the war he said they were very badly treated by the Italians the Germans treated them better. He was a medic.

We have a lot of medals four of my grandfather and my great grandad had five. From the Great War he survived Delville Wood but lost a leg. And had fought with the English in the Boer War he was also a fireman at a time. My father and brother also had medals for border duty. My Aunt has the medals now I think it is Ok she's the last of the children.

Rommel held the South African soldiers in very high esteem. He wasn't called the Desert Fox for nothing.

Cheers Luigi, make Love not War! && Nolan

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Yes, Nolan, I couldn't agree more: make love, not war.

Best, Luigi.