by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
I march when I am walking.
I stand up straight and tall.
I keep me in fair fettle,
In case the Corps should call.
I know that I am dreaming
My time in rank long gone,
But still it keeps me ready
So I can carry on.
I've charged the shores of old 'Canal,
And Tarawa's bloody sand.
I know the meaning and the fear
Of standing to the man.
They didn't ask, "Will you stay?"
When mustering out the ranks.
I've thought about it many times,
Would I have said, "Yes, thanks!"
For warriors grow weary
As battles come and go.
And young'uns often make mistakes
About things they do not know.
If I stayed there in the Corps,
And served my twenty plus,
I would not walk or stand more tall,
For the Corps in all of us!
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**About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942~44, at Guadalcanal & Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
