What do these words mean?

Missing ... disappeared from the earth?

Does “in action” mean inaction on our part?

Action ... what kind of action?

Why not call it war?

Seeing my dad anguish over the loss

Of his beloved nephew throughout his life

Just one of many

Sailors, soldiers, nurses, pilots

Never to be seen again

My only hope is that now

Having passed on to the other side

They are reunited once again

And that some day we will learn

That euphemisms do not speak truth

D.J. Hausman-Hill

Lititz

***

Editor’s note: Diana wrote this poem in memory of her cousin Quinton Hausman, who was declared “Missing in Action,” in World War II, as well as all others before and since.