I Wont Hide My Disgust
Some like to question my patriotism.
Because I express pessimism,
With negative criticisms.
If anything I should be accused,
Of being idealistic.
I joined the military when just a kid.
I wanted to protect this great land,
From enemies that threatened...
Where my family and friends would stand.
As I did!
And proving to myself and others,
I was that brave and fearless man.
That was during the Viet Nam era.
When many my age,
Were trying to pass college entrance exams.
Two weeks after my high school graduation...
I was pledging allegiance to this great nation.
In an Air Force uniform!
I bravely adorned.
Friends I knew who lost their lives,
Weren't considered warriors...
But to my surprise were despised.
It took me years to get over this.
As I witnessed some had gone to college,
To earn degrees that made them capitalistic materialists.
Of course those of us who went through that...
Became very upset about this and quite pissed.
And some of 'them' on us...
Turned their self righteous self centered greedy backs.
As they licked their fingers...
From eating fast food snacks!
These are facts that happened!
My heart is with the soldier,
Because I understand that mindset at hand.
However...
It is unfortunate,
Those who sit and make decisions to begin conflicts...
Are rarely the ones who stick their necks out.
Like the ones who sit alone in barracks!
Getting five minutes to shit...
Keeping their spit boots shined!
Putting their lives on the line.
And rehearsing this at a moment's notice.
They are NOT the ones heard moaning and whining,
About what belongs to them...all the time!
And having no idea just how precious their lives are.
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poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Added by Poetry Lover
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