Somebody make me understand,
things are just clouded like sand.
It cuts me like a sharp blade.
What did I do wrong instead?
I'm just a stupid private in the Army
trying to be a good soldier--do my duty.
Guess volunteering for jumps don't count,
rucking my butt off ain't smut.
I'm not perfect and I've messed up a few
but it sounds as if they think that I can't do.
I thought I was fitting into the mold,
only--I'm not good enough I was told.
Take my hand from me, I fold.
Kicked my heart out the door it's cold.
It's no secret the Army's not my favorite bowl of soup,
I feel I'm in some kind of coop.
The shackles cling to my feet and arms,
there's no way out of it--bet your lucky charms.
Oh, they won't tell me to my face,
they treat me one way and think me disgrace.
I feel like such a stupid idiot at times,
everything I do is wrong or dives.
I feel out of place, a total mistake.
I don't know what to do, am I awake.
I feel like I'm in some type of dream,
there's no way out of this dream it seems.
I'm not feeling like myself
it's like I'm on some type of shelf.
Guess you can't trust anyone--
have to be carefuol with everyone.
But, what am I to do right now?
I'm trapped but I don't know how,
wish I knew what to do right now.
I have no clue of the slightest vow
on what to do or just plain how.
I've gotten jerked around enough
that it's just normal stuff.
The Army has jerked my little chain
since the first day I went there to train.

*Written: August '97.
**Didn't think that this poem fit the military category as the military is the antagonist and the feelings are the main point of the piece.