by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942–Sept. 1945
They took me
to the hospital
because of feelings dire,
I didn’t think
I was that bad
though I was on fire.
They registered me
at the front desk
and set about
to do their thing.
First they punctured
me in a manner
that was painful:
a needle is no
friend of mine,
although they say
it's not true.
They lay me on a gurney
and wheeled me
down the hall,
I landed in 218;
the room was kinda small.
A cheery little
place it was with
beepin’ machines
installed.
One machine
ran day and night,
pumpin’ away with
all its might
fillin’ me up with
a saline solution
and other stuff
I dare not mention.
And then they told me
I would havea
minor operation.
It seems my old
gall bladder had
taken a vacation,
leaving a lot of
rocks in there
that screwed up
the rotation.
They wheeled me out,
bed and all,
to where they
did the cutting.
They gave me a shot
of what, I forgot,
but it left me
non-compos mentis.
I woke up in my room
just about noon
with no memory
of things gone by.
I guess, all in all,
as I recall
it coulda been worse
if not better.
So I think I shall be
thankful you see
that it went as
well as it did.
Amen!
* * *
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.
Robert's latest
book: Poems By A Marine
The Hospital
Click here to
read a review of Robert's novel.
