In dens of laughter when I laughed
There came a hollow sound,
Yet every night I went again
To join the merry round,
And every night I knew that there
My heart would not be found.
Then homeward, homeward be my course,
And constant be my star,
And may I not have changed too much
Because I’ve wandered far.
Their love and laughter now I need
Who home and friendship are.
MEMORANDUM
Quick are the sands that bury a man
When he lays him down to die,
And quick are the hands if there be no sands
Of such fellows as you and I.
THE LITANY OF PEARL HARBOR
Harbor of morning,
Day has begun.
Hills of Oahu
Are waiting the sun.
Harbor of reveille,
Hammocks away.
Sailors are stirring
On ships in the bay.
Harbor of happiness,
Green and complete.
Day from the summit
Has smiled on the fleet.
Harbor deceived,
Death in the sky
Plummets to earth
Before colors shall fly.
Harbor surprised,
Torpedo and shell
Tear through the living,
Harbor of Hell!