Perhaps To Dream

I used to sleep and dream Bright colors....and images, As a young man... A new soldier.... I would sleep just so I could dream.... Missing noon meals.... In the Mess Hall..... Hungry not for food.... The sun would fill my room With light.... That I covered with a pillow Until the afternoons shadow Filled my room. Exhausted.... Excited.... I would bath And shave and venture out Of my barracks room... At night. I was seventeen..... And I knew where The hole in the fench... In the Motor Pool was... I remember the smells Of beer and girls dancing All night in clubs... After hours.... No MP's in sight.... It was my own private adventure Deep into the night. Yes, I was handsome.... Though I did not see it... I was too involved with What I was seeing to Know who I was at the time.... Just a young man On an adventure..... Of his own making.... Not knowing the power Of my youth.... On Saturday parade grounds I stood...and heard Of Valor in Battle.... And Enemies fought.... I knew these men with Ribbons hard won. Not a one had a smile... I felt in my heart That I too had to go... And test myself... Not for medals or awards... But I did like their shine... But to see why these Young men.... Heros of mine... Slept until noon.... Not feeling hunger.... Twenty three months Later... Drowned in combat nightmares.... I finally understood... To sleep is so precious To dream is so wonderful.... But it is the price.... I pay every night... For having gone to war.... At eighteen... On my own request.... I received my orders... To go to Vietnam.... I don't regret my own Request.... I too stood tall On another soldier's Saturday parade field... Not smiling....