I GET TO TALK ABOUT IT!

We volunteered together that year;

All of us excited and anxious to go.

Semper Fi was an attractive call;

Young men willing to join as one.

Shipping out after saying goodbye,

Our group headed towards the war.

Debarking among strange sights and sounds,

We were ordered directly to the front lines.

The fighting was a confusing mix-up,

Either we were all around or they were.

Shells, mortars, grenades, bullets abounded,

Spreading destructive maiming and death.

That lifetime ended once I was wounded

And sent Stateside for extensive repairs.

The President gave me an impressive medal

Which belonged to all of that outfit of mine.

You see, they remain behind in grave rows,

While I get to talk about all that happened.

No one says that life is fair or equal minded;

Nevertheless, daily I question “why them, not me?”

by  Joe Fabel

December 2005