Halcyon Times Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

We lived like princes of the realm
on an island hot in summer
and warm in winter

An idyllic place among many
in the island chain that stretches
southeastward from Kyushu

We dined like royalty in the hut
on the hill overlooking
the East China Sea

Dressed in fresh fatigues
we assembled forthwith
at our captain's command

To rule the indigenous personnel
with strict justice and charity
dispensing leftovers

O! We were a merry band of rascals
in those days so blithesome
as we shared our wealth!