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