by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
A Marine ain't all blood and guts,
There is something more inside:
There is love of country
And an awful lot of pride.
There are times when he is tender,
There are times when he is tough,
There are times when he has courage
To stand and say, "Enough!"
He may seem rugged
But inside he’s mush,
When he sees a little child
Who stands in need,
He reaches out with loving hands
With care at godspeed.
He sees the damages of war
All about his place
And feels the need
To fix it,
To keep the peace and faith.
He’s not happy
To have to kill and maim;
There is no satisfaction
Although it is his game.
He’d rather be at home
Among kith and kin than
Packing guns and ammo
And having to dig in.
To stand a watch in darkness
Never knowing if he be safe,
Awaiting another dawn,
Another killing day.
* * *
About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942~44, at Guadalcanal
and Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
