First Leave Home

Hooray! I'm done with basic trainin' - I passed the rigorous test! No more inspections, guard duty or standin' at parade rest! No sergeants yellin' in my face, never more to be harassed! No more parades or kitchen police, I'm headin' home at last! I fancied myself chargin' into town astride a sleek Arabian steed, (But I slunk into town on a Greyhound bus, I hasten to concede). I thought I'd create some awe in my snappy Air Force suit of blue, But folks thought I was the bus driver, a humblin' homecomin' debut! 'Twas nice to flop in my bed again with the luxury of sleepin' late, And savor Mom's cookin' instead of chow hall grub upon my plate! I decided to look up my old girlfriend and exude my usual charm. Alas, when I met her, she was hangin' on some other feller's arm! My Air Force career spanned thirty years and I've often gone home since, But my friends frequently asked a question that always made me wince. (I was always welcomed by old pals, neighbors and numerous kith and kin). They admired my uniform but asked if I drove a bus much to my chagrin! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved Placed No. 10 in Carolyn Devonshire's "The Work You Do" Contest - September 2010