Van W. Cottom                           Shemya Island, Alaska                February 1975 – February 1976

An Airman stood at the Pearly Gate;

          His face was wan and old.

He gently asked the man of fate

          Admission to the Fold.

“What have you done,” St. Peter asked,

          “To gain admission here?”

I’ve been in the Aleutians

          For nigh unto a year.”

Then the gates swung open sharply

          As St. Peter tolled the bell.

“Come in, Come in,” said he, “and take a harp.

          You’ve had your share of HELL.”