A Soldier's Letter To His Mom

Dear Mom:  I'm in the Army now and faring pretty well.
The chow ain't too bad but how those Sergeants love to yell!
I thought it tough abiding by your rigid rules and regulations,
But they pale compared to the Army's inflexible expectations!

Remember how you used to chide me about making up my bed?
It ain't no different here except Sergeants berate me now instead!
I couldn't wait to leave home to get away from your reproof.
Mom, I must admit things weren't half bad living beneath your roof!

Remember how I used to toss my clothes all about my room?
Sergeants won't tolerate that and for such will lower the boom!
I guess I really had it good when I was living under your wing.
When I finish my hitch and get back home, I won't gripe about a thing!

Remember how I used to ignore your threats and lay in bed 'til noon?
Now, the bugle toots at five a.m. and awakes the whole platoon!
Mom, I look back now and regret that I gave you any sass.
Now, I keep my mouth shut and suffer harassment from the brass!

Remember how you used to fuss at me for coming home so late?
Now, the Sergeants rant and rave if we ain't in bed by eight!
Mom, when I get out of here and am again under your wing,
I promise I'll do what you want and never complain about a thing!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)

Placed No. 8 in Mom Contest May 2010
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Brown Avatar
May 21, 2010 at 5:18 AM
Congratulations on your win Robert in the contest "Mother" sponsored by A Rambling Poet. Love, Carol
Freeman Avatar
May 9, 2010 at 5:08 PM
Congratulations Robert, my friend on a worthy poem in the contest. Agape, Moses
Johnson Avatar
May 8, 2010 at 10:29 PM
lLCute poem and so true. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Sweetheart Avatar
May 8, 2010 at 8:58 PM
Congrats Bob on your winning poem in the Mother contest ..with this "beauty" as its dear to my heart... enjoy another great win.. Happy Mother's Day to the lovely Mrs. Hinshaw..luv.. Linda-Marie..
Hilliker Avatar
May 1, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Love it when kids come around to realizing how good they have it. Great poem. Thanks for sharing.
Murphy Avatar
April 30, 2010 at 9:53 AM
very nice write so sweet thanks for sharing in my childs broken heart he to is so smart even use the computer to play games on nick jr feel bad for him in NY school start in SEPT moved to IN school start in AUG because they get out end of MAY feel like moving back but cost of living too high faleshia
Mehta Avatar
April 29, 2010 at 8:45 PM
What a fine expressions of feelings. Robert. I really enjoyed it
Sweetheart Avatar
April 29, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Well I feel like this was written solely for me to read tonight Bob but many others will read and comment and enjoy.. am going to send this one to my Eric Edward if u don't mind? its a beauty and one he will definitely enjoy... thankxxx for sharing..luv.. "Sweetheart"
Taylor Avatar
April 29, 2010 at 4:04 PM
Good example of "grass always looking greener". Sure brings back memories. Good write Sarge. Have great weekend, Ralph
Kendrick Avatar
April 29, 2010 at 4:04 PM
Another great rhyme on the theme of army life or should I say new recruits' life..Keep the creative pen flowing..Sara
Flach Avatar
April 29, 2010 at 3:28 PM
Saaaalute. Nicely done - written as if you lived it.
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