In the night sky Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Draco and the Big Dipper visible. Last night we saw those together; looking at constellations like connect the dots. Graduation is the brightest sun shining, gooseflesh jubilant, shouting for joy day in my life. In the morning we showered, put on our best dress uniform and prepared to march together that one last time to our rite of passage ceremony. Our faces beaming hope, our creases sharp, when Gunnery Sergeant Sentinella called, "PLA - TOON 3183, FALL - IN." Marching at the front of the platoon was Private First Class Kennedy wearing the Honor Blues, carrying a guidon with our flag marching beside Gunny Sentinella who carried his Marine sword. Four platoons were graduating in silence we listened for our C.O. at long last to say, "Congratulations Marines."

We shouted, jumped up and down, and tossed our covers into the leatherneck, jarhead, devildog, sky. Then, one-by-one shook hands with our DI whose olive green stripes were crossing on the field of red.

– Victor W. Pearn

Victor W. Pearn has been honing his writing craft for over 30 years, including a professional editing position and giving poetry readings. His Devil Dogs and Jarheads collection of poetry is based on his training in the U.S. MARINES during the Vietnam War period. His work is both gutsy and compassionate, earning early praise from a retired U.S. MARINES General and expressions of interest from acclaimed author, Sherman Alexie. History and art come together in a powerful healing force.

The Poetry of Marine Corps Life

In most people's minds, life in the military does not seem very poetic. Where in the world of drill instructors, sharpshooters, and grunts is the stuff of poems? Would you like to know? Then read Victor Pearn's new poetry collection, Devil Dogs & Jarheads.

In Pearn's new book, the world of the U.S. Marine in 1969 comes to life in buzz cuts, reveille, drill sergeants, salutes, rifle ranges, purple hearts, sand crabs, and daily inspections. As Southwest Book Views noted, "The experiences shared in this collection are etched indelibly upon the heart of the writer and now the reader in words that the world can little afford to ignore. This is undeniably exquisite work."

Entering the Marine Corps in 1969, Pearn spent three years repairing electronics for the Corps before getting an honorable discharge in 1972. Having developed self-discipline and learned to study while in the Marines, Pearn went on to college, finally earning a Masters Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

His poems have been published in many magazines and newspapers, drawing praise from such notables as Gwendolyn Brooks: "Victor's poetry contains both strength and appealing imagery." and American Libraries: Devil Dogs & Jarheads is "a good choice for 20th-century American poetry collections."

The Marine Corps Band
by Victor W. Pearn

Grandfathers and grandmothers
mothers and fathers and children
are in the grandstand watching
the United States Marine Corps Band.
Perhaps my wife, mother and daughter . . .
their lionhearted faces solemnly
looking over the long drill field.
Unfolding the flag at morning colors,
the sharp creases of red, white and blue
uniforms as if the flag had come to life.
The flag is the length and width of the band.
Rippling in the wind. Raised up the flagstaff.
As the band begins to play and march,
precision marching, rows turn inside
reversing while playing bright anthems
marching in opposite directions.
Soft resonance of our National Anthem
sharp drumbeat of Marine Corps hymn
moving quick step pace across the field,
brilliant military music grows softer
in the distance as they march away
and the visitor crowd disperses.