My Dearest Alice

**

Dec. 22,1941

My Alice, dear Alice,

How I wish you were here

It’s raining again, although my thoughts are quite clear

The palm trees are waving

Their branches dance in the breeze

Oh, what I would give if you could be here with me

I keep your picture beside me

The chaps think you’re grand

The next time you see me

I will ask for your hand

I spoke to your father

On the day that I left

He said he would honor

Once Ive proven myself

So, I’m here in this battle

To valiantly fight

I’ll return to Seattle

On some cool autumn night

But for now, I’m in these trenches with the lot of these guys

My lips on their backs, praying to god, for my life

The thunder, it rumbles as the tears fill my eyes

I stand out in the rain so they can’t see me cry

As the ink meets this paper, another one dies

And I’ll send off his letter to his now, widowed wife

We’ll sort through his things

Bartering for his smokes

We will all live like we’re kings

Playing brave, telling jokes

We’ve all got something to prove

Protecting our dignity

Till we’re shipped off with nothing

for the land of the free

Dear Alice, I’m tired, I pray that sleep finds me soon

As you snuggle there with me, alone in your room

I will write more tomorrow

Catch you up on my day

If you’ve got some I could borrow

Send the sandman my way

I love you my darling, I dream of you too

I’ll send my kisses by angel to gently give them to you.

All my heart, Cooper

*Jan. 7, 1942

Alice, sweet Alice

The sun woke me today

Thank god for the solace

You had him send my way

I pray you are well and today finds you happy

I hope you don’t find my notes tiresome, grueling or sappy

Your letters are lovely

And smell like fresh linen

Fills my spirit with peace

Just knowing how you’re doing

I love to hear about the things

That fill up your day

If you’re thinking about me

Send well wishes my way

I’m thirsty today

We are thirsty a lot

What I’d give for an RC

From our favorite spot

We’re heading out now, love

I will write when I can

I will try being tough

Remember, I’m still your man

Cooper

*Feb. 17, 1942

Alice, everyone’s sleeping

It was a pretty hard day

I pray this finds you dreaming

That’s all I wanted to say

I hope you don’t mind me saying

I am a little bit scared.

They say it’s ok to be scared

Yours Only, Cooper

*Feb. 30, 1942

My only love,

I have to believe that what we’re doing is just

I need to remember the real reason I trust

Today I’m afraid, I suppose we all are

Thinking of you and back home seems so distant and far

I imagine the creek where we like to fish

I’d be there right now, if I could make a wish

Soaking in the sun with a worm on the line

I find myself wishing for home all the time

The wash on the line and the dog playing in the yard

Poker down at Lucky’s where I’m the champ playing cards

You by my side smelling sweeter than lilacs

My hand on your hip your arms wrapped round my back

Seems I’ll miss you forever as the days linger on

I hope you’re waiting for me to come home

Your Soldier, Cooper

*Mar. 7, 1942

My dearest girl,

I received your letters today, brought a smile to my face

I don’t know how they found me or how I got to this place

I met with some trouble last week, while on walking duty

I was involved in a fight and have a small injury

Please don’t worry, my love

They say I’ll be fine

They have me all bandaged up

I just need to get out of my mind

The things I have seen I wish could be unseen

I’m sorry, sweet Alice, you can’t know what I mean

The dr is here, and they’re checking my wounds

When I’m better, I promise, I’ll write again to you

My all, Cooper

*May.1,1942

Love of my life,

Everyday is better knowing you.

Your love is always on my mind

Keeps me going, keeps me pushing through

I imagined you smiling

in your floral dress

Dancing in the sunshine

Your hair all a mess

The most beautiful sight

That I have ever seen

My heart’s truest delight

My one queen of New Orleans

They are going to release me today

Tomorrow I will be back with the boys

Somewhere with troop forty three

I’m awaiting to be deployed

I will write soon -

Every piece of me,

Coop

*June 3,1942

My lifeline, Alice,

It has been weeks since I’ve seen your love in cursive

I miss hearing about life in the states

The radio man has become a little cohesive

Holding our sanity in its place

I hope this finds you well

And if you don’t mind me saying

Please fill me in on yourself

And please keep up with praying

So we all can soon come back home to stay

Waiting patiently,

Yours for as long as you want me-

Cooper

*July 14, 1942

Even Cupid is missing you

His arrow missed its mark

I’d give anything to share a minute or two

Surrendering what’s left of my heart

Good morning, like Valentine’s Day,

My love, assuming it’s still mine

I’d move all obstacles out of my way

Stopping the clock and the hands of time

May you never forget that my heart is yours

Anything that you want will come true

You deserve more than this soldier, for sure

Always and forever true blue

We are heading to the front, my love

The boys are ready to advance

I have always avoided being blunt

But in case I miss my chance

I want to vow to you my heart

And what’s left of my soul

Until we meet again, my dear

On earth’s or heaven’s shore

Forever and anon

Sergeant Cooper Basoline

The luckiest man alive