Ernie Pyle

I wish I had a simple style

In writing verse,

As in his prose had Ernie Pyle,

So true and terse;

Springing so forthright from the heart

With guileless art.



I wish I could put back a dram

As Ernie could;

I wish that I could cuss and damn

As soldier should;

And fain with every verse would I

Ernie outvie.



Alas! I cannot claim his high

Humanity;

Nor emulate his pungent, dry

Profanity;

Nor share his love of common folk

Who bear life's yolk.



Oh Ernie, who on earth I knew

In war and wine,

Though frail of fame, in soul how you

Were pure and fine!

I'm proud that once when we were plastered

You called me 'bastard.'