Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Gus

Many are the 'characters' I met while serving my nation.
Seems there's always one who stands out in every organization!
In Bermuda (where I fought the Korean War) was such a cuss.
He was my bunkmate and he went by the name of Gus!

Gus was the old man of the outfit, a staff sergeant as I recall.
He'd been up and down the ranks and boozing caused his fall!
Never to be promoted beyond 'staff'', he was happy with his lot.
Gus floated on cloud nine as long as he had his daily tot!

Near payday, funds depleted, out of booze, in a nervous funk,
He'd surreptitiously place this beseechng note upon my bunk:
"My boy, may I propose for your benevolent consideration,
A temporary loan for relief from my dire financial situation?"

Now, how could I deny his plea phrased in such flowing verse!
Besides, on payday, he'd promptly seek me out to reimburse!
On paydays, Gus and his pals were wont to go on a spree!
He'd relieve his bloated bladder nigh any convenient tree,

Proclaming, "Wherever you may be let your water flow free!"
(For some reason the local constables happened to disagree!)
Gus was a good man and I enjoyed our comradely association,
Despite his innate proclivity for intemperate intoxication!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

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Anne-Lise Andresen February 9, 2012 at 7:02 AM I like the good man Gus.This is a good poem Robert,well done! - oxox love Anne-Lise :)

Carolyn Devonshire February 8, 2012 at 4:55 PM What a amazing charactor portrait, Bob! Gus sounds like he enjoyed life. You really cracked me up in the last two verses. The next time I see someone "relieving" themselves by a tree, I'll remember to proclame: "Let your water flow free!" Very enjoyable poem, my friend. Love, Carolyn

Ilene Bauer February 8, 2012 at 4:44 PM as usual, a clever and delightful rhyme from you! i very much enjoyed your memories of gus!

Robert A. Dufresne February 8, 2012 at 3:55 PM Very well written Rob. I do like the way you wrote this as Per usual! you have a gifted pen my friend. ... and I dunno... I get the feeling that Gus may have been related in a round about way to old Kilroy? haha in your comment to me you said you gave your sermon for the day... and I can't help but be amused that my Captcha is P E W S :)

Barbara Gorelick February 8, 2012 at 1:18 PM I just love poor old Gus...Ill bet he was alot of fun..snockered or not. BG

Tim B February 8, 2012 at 11:52 AM Ah, this was very whimsical in its flow and charming in its nostalgia. The friendship of a man be not wary of all his faults, only his most sincere truths. In truth, as you said, he was a good man. This is a great poem, going in my favorites sir. A good day to you, and cheers to Gus!