WHAT IS A COAST
GUARDSMAN
(author unknown)
Contributed by Dolly Juhlin
Back in the “Old Guard” there were a lot of rough, tough, guys who had their way of life. They were a prideful lot. This little essay by an unknown author depicts the Coastie of those times……..
Between the
security of childhood and the insecurity of a second childhood, we find a
fascinating group of humans called Coasties. They can be found anywhere on
ships, at shore stations, in bars, on live, in love, and always in debt Girls
love them, citizens and towns tolerate them, and the government supports them.
A Coastie is
lazy, sharp with a deck of cards, born with a tattooed arm, and a protector of
the world always with a copy of Playboy. He has the energy of a turtle, the slyness of a fox, the ingenuity
of a con-man, the stories of a sea captain, the sincerity of a liar, the
aspiration of a Casanova, and when he wants something it's usually connected
with a liberty card.
Some of his
likes are women, girls, females, dames, and the opposite sex. He dislikes
answering letters, wearing his uniform, superior officers, chow, getting up at
reveille, and being called a "Hooligan"
No one person
but a Coastie could put in one sock a little black book, a pack of crushed
cigarettes, a photo of his girl, a comb he doesn't need (because his hair is
usually to short to comb), a church key, and what's left of his month's pay. He
likes to spend his money on women, some on poker games, and the rest foolishly.
A Coastie is a
magic creature You can lock him out of your home, but not your heart You can
scratch him off your list, but not off your mind. You might as well give in,
he's your "Long-away-from-home-lover,” and your one and only good for
nothing barrel of joy.
All your
dreams become insignificant when you Coastie looks at you with those weary,
bloodshot eyes and says, "Hi ya honey.....I'm home!"