Old Story '03

The life I've chosen, many folks will never understand,
To live and breathe and sacrifice with pride for this, my land.

Sometimes I'm lucky and my duty keeps me close to home,
Others I'm not and to far away distant lands I roam.

I've missed anniversaries, lost teeth and school plays,
I've also missed so many average, normal days.

My duty sometimes calls me in the middle of the night,
to help a fellow human in the depths of their plight.

Sometimes I sleep in a building, a pillow 'neath my head,
Others in an open field, a sleeping bag my bed.

Sometimes it's so hot, I feel I'll melt in the bright sun's heat,
Others so cold, I'd be happy to just feel my feet.

I know it's not a life for all,
For only the strongest of wills, will hear the whispered call.

Sometimes it's a boring and mundane life,
Others it makes you leave behind a husband, child or wife.

But our families always seem to find a way to understand,
Perhaps it's their love and pride for their warriors of this land.

And so it's for them, I hope you see,
That I chose this meager life,
to keep my family free.

Travis Bruins
PFC, U.S. Army

I wrote that my first year in the army. PFC means I was a private then. It's amazing how much I was the way I am now... then.