For Those Who Serve, Home and Away

The following poems were written by my father, Russ Morrow. Because of his profession as a plumber, his country called him to serve in World War II, in the Pacific. He joined the "Fighting Sea Bees", as they were proudly referred to. He was a sailor, a husband, father of 5 at the time, separated from his family, doing his duty. I believe his thoughts have been on countless lips of soldiers through the years. The theaters of war have changed, but not the hearts and minds of those who serve.

GI Dew (c)

Twas in the month of February, the year, 1945.

A 1A classification was mailed to a father of five.

Now, he didn't take the Army, as you can plainly see.

He joined the working Sea Bees instead of the infantry.

Now they shipped him far away from home, to the Pacific Coast,

to work and drill almost alone, much too far from the ones he loved the most.

So, stop crying right away and sigh. I'l dry my tears like others do.

A lonesome sailor never cries, we only call it GI dew.

For Katherine (c)

If I remember right, a few years ago, I was 21, that's not old, you know.

I met a very pretty girl who was like a dream.

She was small, 5 feet tall, and sweet 18.

As I stood by the door, as young men sometimes do,

She looked to me like someone I'd always knew.

It was that lovely evening, when I first learned about romance,

as I boldly walked across the floor and asked her for a dance.

I'll never forget that special night;

her curling black hair and big brown eyes so bright.

Right then, I knew I was in love, with a sweet little girl from heaven above.

Now, it won't be heaven, again, for quite awhile, until this task is done.

So, cheer up now, let's see a smile. This war will soon be won.

Now, a GI's ife, without his wife and children is quite alone.

It's they who dream of a happier life, when their Daddy comes back home.

I'm not to blame, as some people say; it's not me who started this war.

And the others who are here, if they had their way, sure wouldn't be here anymore.

So, 5 foot tall and sweet 31, you're as brave as brave can be.

It won't be long until your battle is won, for you are fighting this war too, you see.

So, good-bye, my sweet, I love you so much, and our children by your side.

Our life will be guided by a Spritual touch, with Sweet Jesus as ur Guide.

The Dreamer (for Bobby) (c)

There's a sweet little boy, who wants to sleep. Come rest your head upon my cheek.

Now dream away, as a dreamer can, and Daddy will be your old Sand Man.

I know your dreams are like the other boys; ice cream, candy and lots of toys.

I wonder, sometimes, when you dream alone, if you sometimes wish your Daddy was home.

Oh, you're so young, you are only five. Quite a man, at that, for your size.

You're also a lover who never misses, cause you're my boy who delivers my kisses.

I'm also young and have dreams, too, and most of my dreams are about you.

Quite often, I dream of one or the other; sometimes of you, sometimes of your Mother.

So never wake my baby when he's fast asleep. He may be dreaming of something sweet.

Or, perhaps, he's dreaming of someone alone,

and probably wishing his Daddy was home.

So continue to dream, my little lover and pass your dreams on to your sister and brothers.

You're a pal of mine who never misses, and you're the one who delivers my kisses.

Go, wake him now, Mother, he's finished hisnap and tell him this story from your lap.

He'll listen to you, while you cuddle him close.

I bet he'll say "I love Daddy the most."

Sweet Jesus, above, don't make this war last.

Please guide them now as You have done in the past.

There's a little angel who dreams, though not alone.

He's dreaming that his Daddy will soon come home.

You gave him to us and soon we were parted.

Sometimes I wonder if he is broken hearted.

Please answer his prayers, like only You can do.

Then he'll always be happy, and I'll be happy, too.

A Salute to the Unknown Heroines (c)

(Mothers and Wives Who Work Alone)

If you could only be with me.

Your lovely face I yearn to see.

I see it now, as I look into space.

The features of your pretty face.

I suppose I'm selfish, when I'm blue, to ask a wife as true as you--

for you're sweet to me, it's plain to see, but I love you. Do you love me?

Forgive me, now, and don't you fret. Your loved one, here, will no forget.

Oh, I'm not crying just alone.

Others, too, have loved ones and are far from home.

When I took you, my little wife,

there was no war to mar our life.

You're a sweet little mother; I love you a lot.

I'm a lonesome sailor that hasn't forgot.

There's the baby, too, and his angel blows Taps,

as he dreams of sleeping in his Daddy's lap.

Oh, there's a lot more things that I cannot mention,

but, for now, dear one, Good Night, I must stand at attention.

When the war ended, my Dad returned to his family. He continued to serve in the Michigan National Guard, as a drill sergeant. I was born in 1950. His sons followed his lead; all 4 served in the military. Jim, in the Navy; Larry, Mick and Bob became Marines. Daddy passed away in 1992 and this year, on August 5th, we celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday.