One Soldier Tells Poem by Val Brooklyn Rogers

Death must be old fashioned way up in the future.
Nobody's gonna die. Tell me when.
Should I solicit from the REAPER?
Must I decide with my keeper?
Must I still try to be alive?
Quiet, now must I pretend?
Quit now, must I defend?

And be rewarded for my rage time and time again.
Revision of decisions long past due. Collector
Comes a calling where, I choose. I refused to be
Used as a doorstop refugee ANGRILY laughing as I
Bandage my open wounds.

Tough crowd. No self pity allowed. I'm not delusional.
If only, please. I'm nocturnal operating without options,
Ease. Never leave a man behind enemy lines. All who
Volunteered to follow fall behind, and on my lead.
All things HOT HAVE HAPPENED with my breed.
I'm a soldier BLACK STALLION, BRED TO SUCCEED.

I know one day I'll be going HOME with my brain HOT
Wired and my broad buff bionic body introducing my new
Self to my adoring affectionate family.

But for now the fight is on the might IS STRONG. We
Approached the enemy camp on clever phantom FOX FEET.
Thinking. Waiting. These DEATH bound souls are all alone
With me and my army. All who volunteered to follow fall
In line.

...Waiting, ready! We pounce 25 down, no prisoners, no
Compromise. Now hear this. Can't promise you BLUE INDIGO
ROSE GARDENS and sunshine in paradise. Just know one
Thing: STAY THE COURSE. We will win. WE'VE NEVER LOST.
I'M A SOLDIER BLACK STALLION BRED TO SUCCEED.