I found a slip of paper with this poem on it while going through old things. It was originally written on 3/10/00 before I initially got out of the Army that year. I did get home, briefly, before I left again to go to Korea for a couple of years and more service as some of you know from past submissions. I am back home again now and hope not to leave for a while.

On a different note, as most of you know I have been on hiatus for some time now. As I stated then, I did not intend on leaving the den permanently but rather for a breather. I have done this and now I am back.

I just want to go home,
to California, my country birth--
the place I desire to be
and have been seperated
for these four long years gone.

I just want to go home
to familiar places and people.
To family's love and care,
to the valley I treasure
and have loved since first torn.

I just want to go home
for I am very homesick
and perpetually so tired
of putting up with the Army
and all of the hardships prone.

I just want to go home
where I can live in peace
and security of life's position.
Knowing my surroundings well
and the best value the world knows.

I just want to go home--
too long have I been away.
Far from comfort known
in far away countries and villas,
serving my country the best I know.