On twenty four July of eighty five,
a Trailways bus I did ride,
the destination of Jackson [Basic Training],
a new life for me,
walking step by step,
running everywhere I go,
marching in unison,
a new life for me,
shining my shoes,
they sparkle in the light,
subject to inspection,
a new life for me,
carrying my weapon,
cleaning the firing pin,
to the range I go,
a new life for me,
riding cattle cars,
like a herd in summer heat,
shooting 300 meter targets,
a new life for me,
As I walk through the valley,
a evening prayer, Psalm's 23: 4, I now pray,
resting before morning inspection,
a new life for me,
my journey, life direction a new,
physical training, much to do,
walking, running, marching,
is all a new life for me,
in 10 weeks,
a new bayonet I be,
soldier of fortune,
a new life for me!
The one thing about the military is structure, After 10 years in, I got out and couldn't figure out for the life of me how civilians got anything done they were so disorganized. Your poem does a pretty good job of following boot camp in verse. good write, Thanks for the memories Jim 1956 -1966
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
At first I'd like to salute you Richard. You are a soldier -poet like Owen. The vivid description of your the then life has been depicted nicely.Your poem is excellent..