Get Your Premium Membership

Buck Private

Buck privates are designated the lowliest of the ranks, And for all they do, they receive very little thanks. The corporal says do this and the sergeant says do that, And if he doesn't comply, he's in for a disagreeable chat! The sobriquet "private" is a misnomer if ever there was one, Because privates have absolutely no privacy and very little fun! From the call of reveille to the plaintive notes of "Taps", He's kept on a frantic pace until ready to collapse! The sergeant rides in a jeep, the corporal in a truck, But the foot slogging private is just out of luck. With his weapon and meager belongings strapped on his back, He walks and it's all he can do to keep from blowing his stack! The recruiting sergeant's syrupy spiel failed to include, That corporals and sergeants tend to be somewhat rude! And to everything that moves he must render a salute! Before enlisting, he muses, "I should've been more astute!" He keeps plugging along and playing their inane game, Satisfied that if anything goes wrong he can't be to blame. He'll just continue to take orders from the powers that be, Eagerly awaiting his discharge from the infernal infantry! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 4/6/2010 3:40:00 PM
Your words reflect wisdom and insight with a wonderful poetic flare. You are also very encouraging. Your praises of my civility poem were so inspiring to me and an unexpected surprise. Considering the source of your compliment (my judgement from reading your poems) I'm uplifted with great pride to have won your favor. Your reference to my "prolific pen" is forcefully empowering. Thanks for taking the time to read it and for sending me the motivation. (The poem was created for the contest.)
Login to Reply
Date: 4/3/2010 12:47:00 AM
Am enjoying your military nostalgia Bob.My late Dad was in the RAF for many years so a know a little of service life.Thank you for your welcome comments today .Easter greetings.Rgds Brian
Login to Reply
Date: 4/2/2010 9:58:00 AM
Excellent write Robert. Have a wonderful weekend. Love, Carol
Login to Reply
Date: 4/1/2010 3:30:00 PM
And each one will receive his just reward..humility is strength...it's so easy to let our ego dictate what we will do what we will not..Thank you Robert for your kind comments on my poem, "Who Would Resist" for Mama....A happy Easter to you and family, my friend...from JAM and me...love, audrey
Login to Reply
Date: 4/1/2010 11:57:00 AM
You shouldn't be giving out all that info Sarge, I think it's Private. Rgrds Ralph
Login to Reply
Date: 4/1/2010 11:53:00 AM
You give us a witty insight into military life, Bob. Must be hard to be the low man on the military totem pole. Very nice! Love, Carolyn
Login to Reply
Date: 4/1/2010 11:50:00 AM
They had a good home but they left...Keep the creative pen flowing..Great poems flow from your quill...Sara
Login to Reply

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry