WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR, DADDY?

Well, son, I was in the Marine Corp,

That “first in battle” kind of service.

We were trained to be at the Front.

But, what did you do, Daddy?

Well, son, at first we did a lot of saluting

And marching and target practicing.

We were trained to be a fighting machine.

But, Daddy, was it fun, did you like it?

Well, son, it wasn’t a question of fun,

Not in the sense you understand it.

We were taught to take orders without question.

But, how could you understand without questions?

Well, son, the Sergeant did all the thinking for us.

He didn’t hold that it was a good idea for us to think.

We were instructed to obey without questioning.

But, Daddy, you seem happy around other vets.

Well, son, we went through many actions together,

Times when we depended upon our buddies.

We knew they would never let us down.

But, Daddy…

Enough questions about what was, what happened.

The time I served makes possible this togetherness.

Now, son, let me read you a story from this book.

© 2005

by Joe Fabel