by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
The day dawns cold
In desert lands,
The wind blows strong
Across the sand.
The nights are long
When standing watch
And eyes are in need
Of sleep.
Your weapon is
In need of care,
It is still gritty
From the sandy air.
You dust it off
With an old T-shirt
That you found
Lying in the dirt.
Your relief is due
Right now,
You hope he makes it
Across open ground.
That sniper that
You saw
Is still waiting
Across the draw.
The firefight that
You last fought
Cost you a friend
Who got caught
In crossfire
From the enemy
That you then sent
To eternity.
Another day has
Come and gone
And you are here
To carry on
The fight
That seems to
Never cease
But will no doubt
Bring lasting peace.
* * *
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.
