Crossing the English Channel --: Recitativo

March 10, '44 in the middle of the Channel for three days

I am the only officer aboard from my outfit--the boys are at a high

pitch and primed for action. I am not the big chap that you may have

imagined... right now I feel very small and unfit, unequal to the task

that is awaiting for me just beyond the horizon and I am guilty of

hiding a great loneliness and not a little fear behind a demeanor of

official bravado and I confess feeling very smug in your love.

Shouldn't I feel more proud of attaining you that if I were the big,

brave, invincible knight of your dreams?