One starry night on Okinawa, <br />Guns and men were still; <br />A young Marine was standing duty <br />On a lonely hill. <br /> <br />The battle ever carries on.... <br />Two months it's been by now.... <br />All dead exceeding ninety thousand; <br />And he wondered how.... <br />How all the slaughter could continue <br />Under God's domain? <br />How long are minds of men expected <br />To endure the pain? <br /> <br />First Saipan.... Iwo Jima next, <br />He'd seen his buddies fall.... <br />And, now again, on Okinawa.... <br />No let up at all. <br />And was there any reason why <br />'Twas them instead of him? <br />Perhaps a reason, somewhat subtle.... <br />More than just a whim. <br /> <br />On that occasion, then, he wondered <br />Why he felt so odd.... <br />He had a realization.... <br />As he felt the hand of God. <br /> <br />A vow was made that night in June <br />Of nineteen forty five: <br />A vow to God by that Marine.... <br />If he got home alive: <br />He'd make a contribution felt <br />Among his fellow man. <br />He'd work to serve his country well, <br />According to God's plan. <br /> <br />It's forty years, now since the vow <br />Was made that night in June.... <br />From his career in Government <br />He'll be retiring soon. <br /> <br />As people come to know him, <br />They may speculate on how.... <br />He made a contribution.... and.... <br />If he has kept his vow. <br /> <br /> <br />(June 1985, Falls Church, Virginia)<br /><br />Frank V. Gardner<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/vow-on-okinawa/
