by Cpl. Robert L. Cook

Jan. 1942–Sept. 1945

They say I need exercise

and I suppose I do

but I don’t like exercise,

just the same as you.

They say the best

is walking,

of that I’ve done my share,

I’ve walked the length of

Texas and most everywhere.

I’ve slogged the trails

of Guadalcanal and

Tulagi’s sandy shore and

then I did a spell of guard:

Pearl Harbor was a boor.

Like most of us

in the Corps,

we’ve marched a

million miles or more

with a rifle

and a pack

and suffered with

a painful back

that we forget

when we attack.

So when morn

does appear

and I arise

with sleepy eyes,

I place my shoes

upon my feet

and strike out

on quiet street

and walk,

and walk.

*     *     *

The author: Robert Lin Cook served with Regimental Weapons Co. (2d-2d) from 1942–44, at Guadalcanal

and Tarawa during a 33-month overseas tour.

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