by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
Way back yonder in forty one,
When the big war had just begun,
And I was just dry of ear.
I left home
Without a tear,
Signed up for the
"Fightin' Marines,"
Thought I would
Have some fun.
My big adventure
Had begun.
Well, they shipped me
Off to 'Diego, where
I passed the test
That they had there.
And told me
I was a tough Marine,
One of the best
They'd ever seen.
I really felt
That I was mean,
And ready to pick
The enemy clean.
Well, it didn't take long
To prove to me
That they were
Very wrong.
They put me where
I did not belong,
Out in front
Where the bullets flew,
And you knew
Each one was
Meant for you.
I never was
So close to ground,
When things were flyin'
All around.
I didn't have much choice,
You see,
It was either them
Or me.
And I had things to do
Back home.
So, I hunkered down
As best I could,
Stood my ground
As I should.
And later on,
Beyond the fight,
I found out I had
Done it right.
I had killed off
Quite a few,
I thought it was the
Thing to do.
I just shot at
Those I'd seen
That warn't wearin'
Marine green.
That was keen!
Well, we fought
Our way across
The sea,
To islands
That were tough,
You see.
And finally got
The best of them
And left them
Saying, "Never again!"
For there were
Many just like me,
Who gave them the
"Best that we could be."
I wish that
I could truly say
That the world
Is safe today
Because of men
Like me and thee
Who fought for
Sweet liberty
To make the world
Safe and free.
Well, that was that,
As you can see.
The rest is just
History!
* * *
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.
