by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942-Sept. 1945
I’ve stood a thousand gun watches
On ship and on the shore,
And sentry duties on a base
I’ve often thought “What for?”
There is loneliness in that
When you're far from home
You cannot help but feel
That you're all alone.
Of all the watches I have stood
When loneliness was there,
The one that I remember most
Was Xmas ’42.
We were hunkered down that night
With enemy just down the trail,
I was sent forward
To keep watch and prevail.
It was quiet all around;
No sound was ever heard.
There was no moon
Or silent stars,
I did not hear a word.
I sat upon the wet ground,
My rifle at the ready.
My ears,
They were well attuned;
My nerves,
They were unsteady.
Imagination played a part;
Expectation honed my mind.
I was there all alone;
My thoughts were most unkind.
Many Xmases have past
Since that lonely night
But I will ever remember
That solitary plight.
Semper Fi!
* * *
The author: Robert Cook served with Regimental Weapons Co. (2d-2d) from 1942-44, at Guadalcanal
and Tarawa during a 33-month overseas tour.
Robert's latest
book: Poems By A Marine
Once Upon a Lonely Night
Click here to
read a review of Robert's novel.
