For all my Brothers and Sisters in arms...then and now

"Like a women who has never given birth, the man who has never faced death and inflicted death, will never for all of his life feel somehow not quite complete."
Gustav Hasford, author of "The Short Timers", later made into the film. "Full Metal Jacket"

Fatigues have turned from green to brown,
From lying on the fetid ground.
Walking in paddies the feet do sink,
Ants, leeches, and three step snakes.
Can't I go home for goodness sakes.
A nasty pit with Punji Stakes.
A "Booby Trap," the line I see,
Across the path in front of me.
I raise my fist to tell my mates,
To lightly step, for death awaits.
Oh no, another hill to climb,
The "World" some other place in time.
Trained to do all that I can,
To guard myself and fellow man.
No don't hand to me that joint,
Because today, I have the point.

(c) 2007 Walt Hardester