Spinal Injury Ward Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

Good to see you again, Sergeant Royster
No, don't bother to sit up
I'll just sit here at bedside
and tell you about how tough
my life has been
since you were deployed, OK?

It seems like years ago
remember those good times
we had in Junction City?
bucket of blood on Front street
where we troopers hung out?
You're smiling - can I get you
anything? No? OK then

As I was saying I've had some
rough times since then
lost my job - called in sick
once too often, I guess
you know how it is?
you don't? Jez, I forgot!

You never went on sick call
at Riley, did you? I hear from
your platoon that you took on
the toughest jobs over there
how I envy you, Sergeant Royster!
Some guys have all the luck!