by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
Sometimes I get to thinkin'
Of the times that I have lived,
Of the years that
Are behind me
And the things that I did.
The years they have been kind to me,
I have no broken bones,
Old "arthro" has been likewise
And left me most alone.
I've never really had to starve,
But have gone hungry
For days and days.
I've covered my behind
Quite well —
And kept it warm
For quite a spell.
It is not this
On which I dwell
But more on life's
Pe-culi-arities.
I've had some adventures
And some boring times,
I've found that for
The most of it
It's really quite average
As lives are wont to go.
I had me a war and so
Did a million other guys.
I was lucky:
I came home —
Not much worse
For wear,
And found me a woman
For whom I could care.
I also had me a son
In whom I can take pride,
He is to me someone
In whom I can abide.
Things have not
Always been
All sugarplums
And cherries.
I've had my troubles
Like the rest,
Torn them down
And fixed the rest.
I've never come out
Second best,
Thank goodness!
I'm figuring on a few more years
Before I call it quits.
I'd like to take them
One by one
And make each
A milestone,
To mark the passage
Of my life
And be not sorry
Of my past
Or regretful of its
Passing.
* * *
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.
