Private Roscoe D. Schlink Arrives At Fort Fumble
Dear Folks: Here I am at beautiful Fort Fumble, Louisiana.
I sure wish I was back on the farm in Bean Blossom, Indiana.
Already I've learned the army pastime of "hurry up and wait!"
And that sergeants ain't very nice - they just love to berate.
Sergeants met us at the train depot and herded us on a truck.
They dumped us at what's called a mess for good old army chuck.
I stared in disbelief at the stuff they slopped upon my tray.
It was called chipped beef and gravy - it was all greasy and gray!
They marched us to the supply place and issued our army suits;
A gun, helmet, drawers, socks and couple of pairs of boots.
I struggled with all that stuff packed upon my weary back,
To a lovely new residence, a flimsy tar-papered shack.
I was told how to hang my clothes and fold my boxer drawers;
The proper way to roll my socks and other silly army chores.
They told me how to make up my cot - the blanket must be taut.
A quarter must bounce off of it or your effort is for naught.
Mom, I sure need you to fix my grub and make up my cot.
Pop, I miss plowing corn behind the mules on the forty-acre plot.
I better get to sleep so tomorrow I can earn my meager dough.
Tell Uncle Clyde it ain't like he said it'd be. Your loving son, Roscoe.
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © Robert L. Hinshaw | Year Posted 2010
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