OFFICER OF THE WATCH
by Mark Kinney    11 September 2001
to the tune of "Boulavogue"

On planet Earth, near the cent'ry's turning
'Twas said the nations prepared for war
While at the Moon Base, a crafty colonel
Would make good use of their weapon stores
To impose his own peace, a demonstation
To break down hostile nations' resolve
Though a few would die in atomic fire
The colonel's coup would their problems solve

A young bomb off'cer of unknown loyalty
The colonel did trust with his plan
The young bomb off'cer went to the bomb stores
'Twas there that he would make his stand
To preserve the peace, that was his mission
So he did work with a fever pitch
To disable bombs meant for the slaughter
And ward off the colonel with a deadman's switch

On planet Earth, near an Illinois town
A memorial stands to denote that night
A casket of lead, encased in marble
A tomb for the man who opposed the fight
Now go in glory, brave Johnny Dahlquist
Who stood the watch, some lives to save
Tread lightly there, not from radiation
But you truly stand near a hero's grave