Military Kid

My dad is in the army
that’s the life he chose
We, his family,  stay with him
No matter where he goes.

When he’s stationed in a War Zone
Of course we’re left behind
Even though he isn’t with us 
He’s always on our mind.

When given an assignment
Which we refer to as rotation,
they do  a 2 or 3 year tour,
then are sent to a new location.                  

At five, when I started going to school,
I was still too young to know,
that the friendships I was making,
would be over, in two years or so!

So all the friends that I had made
would soon be left behind.
Now at our new location
It’s all new friends I'd have to find.

Longtime friendships are so scarce,
due to  moving 'round so much.
It makes it much, much harder,
for old friends to keep in touch.

I've seen lots of interesting places
which other kids don't get to see.
I know in a way I've been lucky
That's a fact, I have to agree.

But moving and traveling starts to get old
when you have to do it so much,
with so many different teachers and schools,
you feel that you're out of touch!

This kind of life is a double-edged sword,
some bad times, but most have been good,
I'm thankful for all the experience,
I'd like that to be understood!

However, what I am saying now,
as I grow more mature,
I'm tired of traveling and moving around
I'm wanting to feel more secure.

It sounds like I may be unhappy,
but that isn't so - God forbid,
cause I'll never forget the experience,
of being a Military Kid.

(Based on a conversation with my
granddaughter Courtney (Mil Kid)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
June 13, 2010 at 11:58 PM
oh, gosh, I forgot your age and was thinking my gosh, did a 16 year old write this?? It's very good, and how nice your granddaughter can convey all that to you so you can tell us her feelings! LUv, Andrea
La France Avatar
June 12, 2010 at 7:53 AM
This is so well written, and written with such love and understanding, yes the military life, must be double sworded, I can just image the child's pain at always having to make new friends... love constance
Belt Avatar
June 11, 2010 at 11:05 AM
Happy early Birthday Ralph.....I was born on the 9th of June...(49).....My Daughter was born on the 16th same as you....(27).....Go Yankees....Have a Great Birthday my Friend.....Larry
Brown Avatar
June 9, 2010 at 9:03 AM
I enjoyed reading your poetry this morning Ralph. Wishing you the best always in your writing endeavors. Love, Carol
Belt Avatar
June 8, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Awesome poem Ralph.....I wasn't a military kid....But my wife says I act like a kid most of the time.....does that count?.......Larry
A   Avatar
June 8, 2010 at 11:12 AM
Wow sometimes it hits us hard when we realize our kids feel that kind of stuff, enjoyed...p.d.
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