by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942-Sept. 1945
The boys are gone
As we all know
To fight a war
For some Joe
We have never seen
Nor heard
Who speaks to us
In foreign words
And swears to god
To kill us all
lest we defile the planet.
We do not understand them
Nor do they we,
Our worlds are oh
So far apart.
We know they have
Murderous hearts,
They seek to make
The world their own
Sans freedoms
As are known
By nations free
As are we.
To change a mind
Is more than challenge
Yet undaunted all are we
Who hold the
Banner of freedom
From sea to shining sea.
We pray they
Will take our offer
Of sweet, sweet liberty
For it is the greatest gift
From you and you and me.
* * *
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.
