by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
You have heard stories told
Of men that were bold,
And didn't have an ounce of fear.
Now you can believe,
Can even conceive,
That there really are
Some members of that breed.
If you want to see the type
Of which I write,
Then join the
The United States Marines.
They make sergeants there
That are four square,
And some of them
Are really mean!
Now they don't mean to be,
It's just that they
Can see
The faults
That dwell in you and me.
You know it hurts their pride
And they cannot abide
A Marine that is not
As he should be.
A sergeant takes you aside
And explains in words
A little snide
That you had better
"Shape up or ship out!"
It is their prideful duty,
And the Corps
Will back them up,
To make of you
What you ain't
Never been before:
A United States Marine.
* * *
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.
