From Where I Come Poem by Joseph Bentley

Told I had a disorder keeping anger close
Believing this came from time spent at war
Eventually found the Army only embraced
That which I from my childhood had stored

For years I believed anger just hereditary
Violence appropriately taught to apply
By drill sergeants who were experts at that
Changed me without my knowing why

For they use integrity and build cohesion
Providing the troubled a new guide
Putting in motion a controlled application
To lean on that strength found inside

The discovery of confidence is a magic thing
To a soul who had been crushed
The ability to restore it a masterpiece
From a place where these things were hushed

Abuse will never be an excuse for me
It is, however, a reason for my attitude
Following basics my outlook would change
My perspective on the world slightly skewed

All aspects of training and through hard times
Would prepare me to face every new step
Sometimes my thinking unacceptable to others
Then again is the world prepared to accept

I don't apologize for who I became
Nor from society do I beg any quarter
Because I was ready to fight your wars
Only adapting as all things got harder

That the Army embraced my childhood
Told that is where the monsters came from
Now educated, medicated and situated
Don't pretend to know from where I come


JBentley-15April2023