To start off this book review.



Poems by a Marine: For the Marines and All Who Hold Them in Esteem

By Cpl Robert L. Cook USMC.



I'm privileged to know the author, not personally.

But from a few E-Mails and postings on a Marine message board.

The Few, The Proud, the MARINES.

Someday, If I was privilege to meet Robert face to face,

It would be my honor to meet a man of his caliber.

Reading history books or books written by some who were in a certain war.

Might give you an idea of what war is really like.

Poetry, especially war poetry, will paint you a picture from the poet's soul.



All the poems in Robert's book are not about war.



Some deal with things Marine wore or are wearing.

We as Marines, can say 'Yes, I wore that!' or 'Yes, I'm wearing some similar!'.



Somethings, Robert writes about are now history, you might see a graphic/photo.

But you might never get to feel the real thing.

To us, who wore or carried the real thing, it brings memories of our youth.



One poem that really touches me deeply is 'Tarawa' because I can visualize.

What was going through the minds of men trying to do their best.

Those last few words are Robert's, and I pray he does not mind my making use of his words.



I would recommend this book to all those who are privilege to have worn or are wearing,



The emblem of our Corps, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.

Semper Fidelis

Ricardo,