by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942–Sept. 1945
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord
My soul to keep.
If I should die
Before I wake,
I pray, Lord,
Gimme a break!
How often have I said this prayer
Kneeling with my mother there?
Of course I did not say that line,
I tacked on for fun, inclined!
The little things we used to do
Stick in memories of me and you,
To harken back to latter days
Of simpler times and simpler ways
When young and innocent we were.
But time does pass
As does life,
We carry on thru war and strife
To when the years
Are numbered high.
And we regret to say good bye
To friends and loves
Who are a part
Of growing old.
As we must do
If we are among
The lucky few.
Amen.
* * *
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
Now I Lay Me
Click here to
read a review of Robert's novel.
