“Men reporting for induction are being turned down in increasing numbers because of malnutrition.”
….Headline.
To him who in the love of Eating holds
Communion with her several times a day,
Our sympathy we give as he unfolds
His ration-book, his treasured points to pay.
They’ve tightened up our belts again,
And boosted up the points,
Except perhaps on kidneys
Or the innards or the joints;
So it’s bread witrout the butter,
And it’s stew without the broth–
(It does, of course, save wear and tear
On Mama’s table-cloth).
“So eat, that when thy summons comes to join
The Army, Navv, Air-corps, or Marines,
Thou’ll resemble something raised on Tenderloin,
And not on beef-less soup and ham-less beans.”
Oh, Ration-board and OPA,
We think you’re very sound,
Except on some suggestions
When you run them in the ground:
This advice is very cozy,
And we’d like to take it, too,
But for your own prize comeback, sirs:
“Just HOW is UP TO YOU!”
A toast to him who, notwithstanding, tries
His appetite to stifle; and I say
A special nod to him who satisfies
His conscience, stomach, points, and OPA !
by Ray Romine Monday, January 22, 1945
