by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
The clouds of war
Gather nigh
Along the far horizon.
Men and women are called
And standing by,
To tend the
Nation's fervent cry
To rail against
A roguish
Nation.
Chances are
The call will come
And we will hear
The muffled drum
That sends
Marines
On their way
To once again
Stand to the fray
Before
The enemy's guns.
We will all go forth
Again
To right a wrong
Left undone
For far too long.
For we who stand
For the right
Will pursue the beast
With all our might.
And bring him
Down
So all will have
Security.
And we will
Once again
Stand down
At peace
Once more.
Oh Lord,
If I may pray,
Take care to see
That troops so brave
Who face the
Fire of blood
And steel
Are safely brought
From sodden field
To walk the land
In freedom bought
With pain,
To stand
Before a grateful
Nation.
Amen!
* * *
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.
