by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
They stood on line
Those valiant ships,
Their gray hulls clean and tall.
The sun had risen o'er the mast,
The bugler made First Call.
Above the harbor came the first
To challenge from the sky.
Their red-emblazoned wings of white
Had borne them swiftly through the night,
To where the mighty fleet
Was resting by the piers.
They was a parade of famous names
Of ships of the greatest line.
The Nevada, the Tennessee,
The finest of the fine.
The Arizona and the Maryland
Were nestled close aboard.
And the West Virginia
Was the California's pard.
Even the old Neosho
Was part of that great herd.
The beauty of those mighty ships
Was scarred by blast and fire.
No chance had they
To win the day,
As they did so desire.
Before 'twas done,
Those mighty ones
Lay wounded and a-dying.
The bravest-of-the-brave aboard
Went down with flags a-flying.
Time has dimmed that dreadful day
Of infamy and lying.
We trusted those
Who talked of peace,
Of this there's no denying.
But, we were eager to be friends,
Our hands were out and trying.
I hope we've learned
From that mistake,
And wisdom from it learned.
Perhaps we'll take
A different stand,
And not hold out
A trusting hand,
To some who
Don't deserve it.
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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.
