THE LITANY OF PEARL HARBOR

Harbor of morning, Day has begun. Hills of Oahu Are waiting the sun. Harbor of reveille, Hammocks away. Sailors are stirring On ships in the bay. Harbor of happiness, Green and complete. Day from the summit Has smiled on the fleet. Harbor deceived, Death in the sky Plummets to earth Before colors shall fly. Harbor surprised, Torpedo and shell Tear through the living, Harbor of Hell! Harbor of terror, Harbor of death, Harbor where fellows Are choking for breath. Harbor of drownings, Thunderous sound. Flooded compartments Harbor the drowned. Harbor of fire, Harbor of flame, Steel and humanity Crumble the same. Harbor determined, Stations are manned. Against the aggresor The Harbor will stand. Harbor of courage, Gunners and guns Speak of the worth Of America’s sons. Harbor of shipmates, Sanctified flood, Dying together, Harbor of blood! Harbor of wounds, Beneath the attack, Fighting the enemy, Driving him back. Harbor of smoke, Blinding the sun. Harbor contested, Yet to be won. Harbor of roaring, Harbor ablaze, Harbor of horror, Harbor of praise. Harbor resurgent, Out of the gloom, Self-resurrected Out of the tomb. Glorious Harbor, Harbor of woe, Harbor of vengeance Blasting the foe. Harbor of hours, Endless, intense, Harbor victorious, Epic defense. Dedicate Harbor, Shipmates are there Sleeping forever. Harbor of prayer.