The Cockroach Prince And Other Casual Memories Poem by Hubert Wilson

August,1968 - such a time of agitation.
Deeply split was the American nation.
The previous year's 'Summer of Love'
Was no longer much spoken of.
Martin at the Motel Lorraine
Was mysteriously slain.
Next, Bobby at the Ambassador Hotel
Another '60's death knell.
Turmoil at the Chicago Democratic National Convention
Just added to the tension.
Many youth ultimately felt betrayed.
Others still fronted belief in the Vietnam crusade!

After weeks of isolated military basic training
Another month of Texas heat left a few of us mentally draining.
For our orders we waited week after week
In antiquated wooden barracks hot and bleak.
Our 'casual' unit worked every miserable detail.
Not much better than a military jail.
Then, the 'Prince' arrived.
In the midst of our misery, he oddly thrived.
No work details was he ever assigned.
Daily he just relaxed in the barracks on his behind.
Bragging about his Houston family connections.
Not even subject to military inspections.
Talking about his soon to receive officer's direct commission.
Voicing ridicule for our condition.
Coming and going at his pleasure.
Always that smirk of contemptible measure.
For the regular military he had little regard.
Laughing at us because he was in the National Guard!

With little money and so many military restrictions,
We had a unique amusement to ease the frictions.
After a few minutes of lights out at night,
Quick use of flashlights and shower shoes made for a dim bizarre sight.
Monster cockroaches raced through the pourous walls in hordes.
Whoever killed the most received pooled nocturnal monetary awards.
Next day the winner purchased an ice cream treat
With the meager financial awards for the their great hunting feat.
All participated except one -
The oh sooo regal son.
Then, one day -
The haughty Prince left the open barracks bay.
That night we celebrated the Prince's leaving
By executing more cockroaches in numbers unbelieving.
The next day's sultry details had no dismay -
For the cockroaches and their 'Prince' had just gone away!


(Wondering whatever happened to AF26230638 of Flight G128 of the 3724th Basic Military Training Squadron at Lackland A.F.B., Texas, after 23 August 68? Members of the Casual Unit and CMR 4 were much happier after August!)