by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942-Sept. 1945
Whenever I awake at night
And sleep will not fall,
I lie awake and think of folks
That I can recall.
I see them as they were
Away back then,
Young and handsome
Lean, strong men.
Living life,
Both right and wrong,
Being human
Like us all.
Some were civvies,
Some Marines
Who stood before
The storm.
But each a precious
Memory,
It leaves me not forlorn.
For in my heart
They live on now,
A part of who I am.
I laugh at thoughts
That come around,
Funny sights,
Funny sounds.
And tears appear
As I recall
How I’ve seen
A brother fall
On a field of battle
To rise no more.
When at last I fall asleep,
All these memories
That I keep
Are stored in safety
In my heart
To remain
‘Til life departs
And I am just a memory, too.
* * *
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.
