Kim Rodrigues Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

I did not intend to join the U.S. Navy, but my dad talked to me about it. Thought it was a crazy idea but thought I'll go check it out. I fell in love right away, at the recruiters office. It gave me a reason to leave home, direction, adventure, travel and of course the joy of serving my country (of which I am most proud of). My first flight (of all time) was cancelled. The next flight was delayed. Arrived in boot camp too late for real sleep (you don't get to sleep in...lol). Time to get shipshape, march it out, share a room with 79 other recruits, learn the language, learn how to float and swim with the sharks (metaphors). I wish I could have done it all better, however I did do it and am proud of my service. God Bless. 

Chances of Me Leaving Home

chances of me leaving home
chances of me donning blues
chances of me wearing a flight suit
chances of me being chosen
     to carry the sports flag
chances of me staying

what chance do I have to find love
chances of living a life apart
     from what I had known

chances of being whistled at by ships
chances of the greatest adventure of my life
chances of boogie boarding the Pacific
chances of kittens
yes, kittens…mom wasn’t a fan

chances of tempura and teriyaki
chances of children in muumuus and leis
chances of sunshine and rainy season days
chances motor pedaling a bit far away
    what we won’t do when we are pinch-cheek young

chances of wading, submerging, merging
     with (parrot- butterfly- trigger- trumpet- ) fish; and tangs
chances of Hanauma reef and frozen peas
chances of being half a world away

chances of my son finding love in Guam
chances of my daughters marrying Southerners
chances of happiness
chances of me leaving home

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Robert Gorelick May 17, 2025 at 10:57 AM So nostalgic! Reminds me of getting off the bus before dawn at NTC San Diego. Eighty recruits-Company 291. Enjoyed the comradery and the two Pacific (wespac) cruises. Glad you took chances and sampled life's feast while you were young. Variety after all, is the spice of life! Loved it, Robert Kim Rodrigues May 17, 2025 at 6:06 PM Robert, Thank you for your service! Yes, it was the best thing for me. God bless you! Kim Rodrigues May 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM Robert, Thank you for your service! Yes, it was the best thing for me. God bless you!

Sam Scott May 16, 2025 at 7:31 PM What a lovely testimony and I love the colour in this story of your experience. Chance is a fine thing they say and I think taking crazy risks is one of life's perks providing amazing life experiences, much like yours. Big blessings S:) x Kim Rodrigues May 16, 2025 at 7:42 PM Thank you, Sam! I indeed feel blessed. Happy weekend and blessings! :)

Paige Hind May 16, 2025 at 7:03 PM It seems you took the chance! But I wonder, after your service...did you have a hard time finding your way back home? Just I felt an emotional undercurrent in this. But it's a wonderful tribute, to the Navy. I am glad you found your way there. <3 hugs xx Kim Rodrigues May 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM No undercurrent…I was married, and I always missed my parents and siblings :) Hugs

David Crandall May 16, 2025 at 6:36 PM Interesting to hear your experience! Kim Rodrigues May 16, 2025 at 7:28 PM Thank you, David!

Speaks Volumes May 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM Enjoyed this immensely Kim. A lifetime of interesting experiences, and every one in a positive light and told so well. Definitely a favorite for me.

Sotto Poet May 16, 2025 at 8:35 AM Young people should learn this: you can't tell what will work unless you try it. Kim Rodrigues May 16, 2025 at 10:02 AM Absolutely. Don’t stay stuck. Venture out. Thank you :)

Joseph P. DiMino May 16, 2025 at 6:24 AM Brave enough to chance chances. A great lesson for young people -- you never know until you try -- not to be entirely reckless...but close too it. Thank you for serving our country...chances are so few young poets have -- why your poetry is so interesting. Blessings my friend. You get another FAV! Kim Rodrigues May 16, 2025 at 6:59 AM Thank you so much, Joe! Hugs and all…