by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942~Sept. 1945
They sent him home
In a metal box,
Sealed so none
Could see
What happens to
A good Marine
When a rocket hits
His Humvee.
He was just
A very young lad,
A Marine
He wanted to be
So he dropped
His graduation
And signed away
His liberty.
He made it through
His boot camp,
He shot expert
On the range,
He couldn’t wait
To do his best.
His demeanor
Was not strange.
He was now
A strong Marine
And wished to ply his trade,
The Corps was glad
To help him,
He thought he had it made.
They shipped him off
To do his thing
With a company to help,
It didn’t take him long
To know,
And to find himself.
He was on
His first patrol
When heaven
Called him home.
He never felt
The fear,
He never felt
Alone,
He died a quick
And painless
Death
A Marine unto
The end.
Marines are not all heroes,
Most are ordinary guys
Who go forth
To do their jobs
And do it all with pride.
They never shirk their duty,
Such shame would never do,
They carry forth
Their banners
And
The red, the white
and the blue.
* * *
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.
