THE RECRUITER

By Jeanette Cooper

As I sit here in my office,
Walls papered with persuasive material,
Beckoning to all young men, babes;
Young minds still developing,
Knowing it all and knowing nothing, seeking maturity.

Vulnerable, led by temptation competing with daily routines,
Energy, excitement, longing for thrills and adventure,
Lonely boys looking for greener pastures,
Escaping the empty void of loneliness
Walk through my door, the first step to hell and death.

Thoughts tender my calloused and unrewarding job,
My conscience like a terrible cancer, eating at me,
Sucking at my sanity, my heart, my compassion,
My mind like a raging river of turmoil at what I do,
Like an auctioneer.

Come join young men! Peel your youth!
Strengthen those young bodies like molten steel,
Fill your empty lives with exciting adventure,
Travel the world, be a hero! Great things await you!
Join up. Join up now. Join, join, join…

Poor children, hearts tender, undiscerning minds,
Molded like stone, another weapon, to cast at the enemy.
Gentle fingers trained like computerized executioners.
Who fight, and die, in battle a hero; nameless,
And I the judge.

© 1965 Jeanette Cooper