On Your Knees Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

The first beneficial advice I remember getting,
Came from my training instructor...
The one I had been assigned,
Two weeks after graduating from high school...
And, finding myself in the military,
Making attempts to fake my way...
Through an obstacle course in preparation for combat.
All of us in the Air Force went through that.

'Horse...
Before I finish with you,
Wishing for death will not be your option.
Not only are you going to complete this obstacle course,
I'm going to let you know right now...
In this squad I only produce thoroughbreds.
Now...
Stop screaming for 'mommy'.
Mother is here! '

And I learned quickly at the tender age of 18,
Reality was something I couldn't run away from.

'Horse?
After you finish doing those pushups.
How about showing 'mother'...
You can do 12 laps.
And come back to me as if doing 12 more,
Is 'your' desire.
And...
I want you to beg me to do it.
On your knees and 'after' you kiss my boots.'

And I learned quickly at the tender age of 18,
Reality was something I couldn't run away from.