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Photo by Bob Gentry ©2001
Stanyan Entertainment
A Thought for Today
When we are home, we are in a better place.
I.
Soldiers from another war, memories of another time when a dime was a dime and love
was something G.I's only read about: He leans against the bar and sings fantastic
songs. The Marine named Carl, a long way from home and lonely like the rest of us. His
brown eyes seek out the friendly ones and he sings to them. While the high hipped girl in
the corner cries because she can’t understand the language. All this for a glass of
beer and anyone will tell you it’s worth it.
II.
Some soldiers fight their daily battles, not in body but in mind: Private Spence
has a problem. His eyes are lonelier than most. And people misinterpret his looks. I saw a
big woman follow him home once when that wasn’t what he wanted at all.
III.
Soldiering is more than coming through the trenches still intact, it's threading
minefields still unmined: She struggled over chocolate cake, toying with an
unfamiliar fork. Looking into the lieutenant’s eyes, who but an hour ago, was only
another stranger. Under the cruel light her pale green dress and yellow beads seem a
little out of place. And as her fingers fumbled with the fork, she now and then would try
to smile. The lieutenant’s eyes were cold. Devouring her as she devoured chocolate
cake. In another place, another war ago, it had been the same. A walk through the rain to
a small cafe, with another girl, who never got to know his name.
IV.
Some soldiers come from long lines of soldiers. Soldiering runs in the family. Some
become soldiers to run from the family: Lieutenant Paul Smith, Marine. Son of a
Boston lawyer. His mother played bridge in Westchester County. This is his first night on
the Ginza. He dances well. His Japanese girl comes to his chin. And they move with easy
motion on the dance floor. The motions will be quicker after dark. Everything is okay. The
moth chases the flame. The bees still pollinate. The grass is green on spring mountains.
The haze of the evening is soft blue. And Lieutenant Paul Smith waltzes endlessly, with an
Oriental head against his shoulder.
V.
Soldiers from another war, memories of another time when a dime was a dime and love
was something G.I's only read about: Long before we decided the fate of that retched
woman at the Prince Hotel and laughed into the night, conjuring ways to upset her. I had
thought of the possibility of falling in love with you. Even after I knew there were
others. I was determined not to. Not at this time. Not when I was going home. Knowing
there was anybody else who loved you. But as it happened, you turned to me in bed, and
smiled. And we were very warm.
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Written in Taegu, Korea, 1954. Some of this material was used in the
album "Time of Desire", 1957. With new material, 1998.
Details of Rod's upcoming concerts
and appearances can be obtained via the link below:
Rod
McKuen Concerts & Appearances
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