Gold Coast Bike Week

(My son asked me to write poems from their perspective, that is why I wrote these as I did.)

I thought I was all grown up,
completely in control.
Then one day I decided,
the army was the way to go.

I met with a recruiter,
took my asfab test.
I prayed that day to the lord,
I would do my very best.

I passed and I made it.
To serve the red, white and blue.
Mom now I'm in Ft sill,
Learning to fight for you.

I packed my bag before I left,
with the items on their list.
Shampoo and conditioner
razors, soap and clothes.
Then that day did arrive,
when I had to go.

I wanted to be strong,
for you and me both.
I have to admit,
I had a tightness in my throat.

We drove down to the armory
and with another soldier I drove away.
There were tears, in my eyes
but you couldn't see them that day.

At the MEPS station,
we all formed in our lines,
went through the things they wanted,
They did this all the time.

Once we all passed their inspections
and with a weight upon our chests.
We all loaded up to ship out
to our destination, then we could rest.

Once we reached Ft. Sill.
Other men I did meet.
Then we formed our Platoons,
All standing Proud upon our feet.

All the things we thought we knew,
Were useless here to us.
We had to be re taught
to live like soldiers do**
So when we were able to see you again.
we would stand tall and proud a different way.

We eat together and do PT.
We march and sing our songs.
But the one thing I know we share
Is the loneliness for the ones we left at home.

Each one of us will struggle,
In our own way.
But here we have each other,
Each and every day.

We have already lost some fellow soldiers.
To victims of circumstance.
The rest of us are holding strong,
and will until the end.

Keep sending us those letters,
they get us through our days.
Remind us why we are here,
to fight, be strong, be brave. less...