Random Entries From My Diary

"I never travel without my diary - One should have something sensational to read"
...Oscar Wilde, 1891

30 May 48:  I graduated from high school today now thank God I'm free!
No more doggone homework, perplexing algebra or teachers bugging me!

7 Jul 48: Enlisted in the Air Force today!  Good Lord! What have I done!
The sarge said, "Forget Mom, Dad and Susie Q! You're now mine, my son!"

21 Oct 48: Finished basic training today with about a hundred other guys.
I thought it'd be more like a Boy Scout Camp! Boy, was I in for a surprise!

15 Feb 49: Graduated tech school at Fort Warren and sent to the Bermuda Isles.
Quite a change for a country boy!  Water, water everywhere for miles and miles!

12 Oct 52: Was married tonight at Perrin AFB with Vera as my beautiful bride!
She was very pert and calm, but diary, I was somewhat nervous I must confide!

23 Aug 54: Our family grew by one today! Leanna, a little girl, my fondest wish!
She was measured by a nurse holding her by the heels! Just like measuring a fish!

15 Aug 55:  Boarded a crowded troopship in New York and set sail for Morocco.
Was beset with a bit of mal de mer since the ship was wallowing to and fro!

17 Oct 57: Our little 'arab' Leslie was born today near Casablanca! What a dolly!
She has a hearty set of lungs, but that's OK, she's a healthy little dude, by golly!

11 Jan 68:  Son Mark was born at the Air Force Academy and seemed a healthy tot!
9 Apr 68:  Alas, we buried Mark today at Evergreen.  Boy, do we miss him a lot!

24 Jun 71: My family and I arrived in Tokyo, Japan, to begin our three-year tour!
Japanese is foreign! For "good morning" do I say, "ohio gazamus" or "bon jour?"

1 May 74: Chaplain Porter notified me that I had been promoted to Chief!
Happy day, dear diary!  I've reached the highest rank!  What a blessed relief!

1 Aug 78: I retired today at Offutt AFB, after 30 wonderful years of service!
After wearing the 'blue suit' all those years, wearing civvies makes me nervous!

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

Placed No. 3 in Constance La France's "The Diary" Contest - April 2011
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Duncan Avatar
May 21, 2014 at 10:01 PM
Love it Bob,,,, I stopped keeping my diaries about 6 months ago. I live in a one bedroom / sometimes feel like a hoarder ;)
Fahey Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 8:15 AM
What an accomplished person you are, Robert!!! You have been very blessed, and our country, too, having been served by someone like you! Congrats on your win! Ellen <3
Phookan Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 12:27 AM
Congratulations Robert on your very well deserved win in this contest with this beautiful and very original write..Best wishes,Gautami
Mannan Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 9:32 PM
Warm congrats for this wonderful write Bob.
George   Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 2:36 PM
I knew this would top the winner's circle, Robert. Many congrats. Lainie
Mehta Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 1:04 PM
Congratulations on the third place wi in the contest, Bob
Sweetheart Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Congrats Bob on your wonderful win in The Diary contest ..another superb write and amazing entry my friend.. enjoy another very special win with luv.. H.E. to u and Mrs. Vera..
Brown Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win Bob in Constance La France's contest "The Dairy". Love, Carol
Dietrich Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Oh, MAN, you picked the PERFECT way to approach the contest. Why the heck did I not think of this. (I did not enter ) Way to go with this one. sure to win something.
Culverhouse Avatar
April 11, 2011 at 4:27 AM
great thoughts for a lifetime....mostly good.
Mister Roboto Avatar
April 11, 2011 at 1:29 AM
Magnificent! ~JS Lambert
Neels Avatar
April 10, 2011 at 12:18 PM
What a beauty and a lovely recollection of your life Dr. Ram.. This has to be a favourite for me.. Thank you for sharing your life with us in this write.. Blessings to you ;)
Locksley Avatar
April 10, 2011 at 12:17 PM
You have had quite an interesting life, Robert. I hope the future continues to bring you happiness. Best to you, Diane
Taylor Avatar
April 8, 2011 at 5:24 PM
Awesome entry, Sarge. Excellent Piece. Good luck. You guys have a great weekend. Check your soup mail. All the best. Una/Ralph
Mac Donald Avatar
April 8, 2011 at 2:09 PM
Great write, Robert! Tasty slices of your pie.:) You've been all over, and have always remained true to your wife and children. Plus this job that has made you even more wise! Best to you and yours, Mikki
George   Avatar
April 8, 2011 at 2:09 PM
I would love to read your Memoir, I bet it would be spellbinding. Wonderful entry, Robert - sure to be at the top of the winners circle. My dad was in the Canadain Army and would have stayed but for my mother. She hated army life - he loved it. Lainie
Ruebel Avatar
April 7, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Oh how I loved reading this today. This is a winner if I ever read one Robert. Wonderful write! As Always, Shar
Sweetheart Avatar
April 7, 2011 at 9:03 AM
Wonderful synopsis of your life Bob and a magnificent entry so personal for the contest.. a sure winner my friend and a life to be commended upon for your bravery and service and your character luv... good luck in the contest.. I entered Memories of a Matriarch about my Mom passing away on Thanksgiving Day for this competitiion... amazing as always my friend..luv..
Foulk Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 5:44 PM
a great write enjoyed ir
La France Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Thank you for supporting my contest, Wonderful!
Mehta Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 3:25 PM
Wonderful and realistic notes of your life and times, Bob
Kendrick Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 2:42 PM
Reads like a great entry to me..Should be in the winners' circle..Good luck...Reads like an interesting life that you had..Travel and excitement..Sara
Onclaud Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 1:41 PM
decades of memorable milestones, robert! your skillful quill never runs dry... stunning as always... best winning wishes to you! :) huggs, nette
Devonshire Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Thanks for your comments, Bob. I have personal reasons for not entering. Headed to the doctor now, but will answer your email later. Love, Carolyn
Devonshire Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Now this is a life of which you can be proud, Bob! Your family memories and your duty to our country are admirable. I've always had the depest respect for "Sarge," so you know I'm pulling for you to win the top spot. Doubt I'll write for this one. My diary would bore people silly. LOL Love, Carolyn
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace