by Mike Greenacre

for Jean and Dorothy

Though ten years separates them,
their working-class upbringing
from the late 20s to 30s
connected these two teenagers
from opposite sides of the globe.

Jean was a Tom Boy in London’s
East End, playing on the streets with
brother Joe, while Dorothy was a
‘Bicton Bush kid’ roaming the bush
like a drover with brother Bob.

Second eldest to boys, their
brothers took priority position
while they had to adjust their
14 year old aspirations to looking
after their mothers’ latest child.

Jean had recently won a scholarship
to a girls school in London and Dorothy
finished school a year ahead of others
and had to leave her office job in
Fremantle for this ‘given’ lesser role.

Disparate lives and yet they both met
their husbands on the dance floor,
Jean at Cyril Westgate’s wedding
and Dorothy with her brother and mates
in Palmyra at the Queens Hall.

And they both adored Vera Lynn:
‘We’ll Meet Again’ carrying
the hopes of Allied Forces through
WWII and ’The White Cliffs of Dover’
returning lives and tomorrows once more.