image

5

image

IN THE COUNTRY OF DEAD LEAVES

February 3, 1945

I bought you the perfume and stockings in Panama—Well, I have to say, Colón is some spot—girls—everywhere—White, black, brown, cream, every other color you can imagine—Panamanians, Nicaraguans, Costa Ricans, Brazilians, Indians, Africans, Cubans—One waiter even pointed out a Russian—They all speak about ten words in English—We were all drinking something they call a Blue Moon—They call it that because it makes you think the moon is blue—It was strong enough to eat cement—Most of these girls are very young—Of course, they’re all good and all have their crosses around their necks—Finally the pretty one sitting next to me said, “Me pussy—Doctor says O.K.”—She had been acting so dignified and then this “Me pussy” business—Then the tag line—She wanted $15—I must have made an impression on her because the other fellows couldn’t do any better than $25—There’s life in the Navy for you—Of course, darling, I didn’t indulge—What kind of s.o.b. do you take me for?