A Sergeant's Wrath!

Now, as a general rule, sergeants are rather decent guys, Compassionate, reasonable to a degree and uncommonly wise. But woe to the private who incurs a sergeant's wrath; That young feller is destined to tread a very treacherous path! For minor infractions, privates are relegated to the latrine, To scrub and polish therein to make it squeaky clean! A prudent private daren't give his sergeant any sass, Or he'll push a lawnmower, cutting acres of never-ending grass! If in close-order drill and saluting he is less than deft, The sergeant will nix his pass, leaving the lad bereft! Lord have mercy if buttons are missing from his uniform; That will incite the sergeant into a massive, raging storm! If he fails barracks inspection, he'd best not make any plans, For he'll be in the dining hall scrubbing pots and pans! If his haircut is not up to snuff, that'll add to his plight; He'll be pacing his post on guard throughout the lonely night! Although some sergeants are more endearing than many others, And some it seems could be loved only by their mothers, A canny private will play the game and abide with all the guff, Praying his hitch will end, never more to suffer all that fluff! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)