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)
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