Long Live the War!
p. 73 · Read in the full issue
(Written during World War n by a well known resident of French Oceania.) Squandermania and Graft being the order of the day, obviously the worst disaster that can befall Tahiti would be Peace. “Never in history have so few (Fonctionnalres) made so much (money) In so short a time”.
Prayer
From Peace and Poverty, O Lord, protect ns!
Grant us this day our dally Graft!
Let not the quizzing Tanks detect us.
Raking the suckers fore and aft.
Grudge not, O Lord, our little pleasure!
Let not the Wowser dim our way; Women and wine allow full measure— And let the other silly blighter pay.
Say, Lord, what is this cry “Austerity”?
Would they deprive us of our cheering cup?
Enjoy the present and to hell Prosperity— Thank God, we’ve sold the Yanks a pup!
God Speed the Yanks! We do not like them with us: They cramp our style and spoil our jolly mood.
Let ns return to Lafayette and Lido,* And drink damnation to the hated brood!
Punco
Tahiti, 6/4/43. * Lafayette and Lido are two of the leading “honkytonks”.