Seventeen

At seventeen she thought she knew What real life was about She'd had her share of ups and downs She'd manage now no doubt She left the house she'd grown in The memories and tears Walked bravely to the station To start her new career The army life had beckoned her A means to leave her past Secure accommodation Her freedom hers at last Her life was in her suitcase The few things she held dear Everything she needed She'd packed without a tear No one had gone with her To wish her a farewell She stood there on the platform Alone feeling the chill It was frosty that October She remembers it so well At seventeen the world was hers To carry her from hell The train pulled to the platform She boarded it and sat Staring though the window Realizing that She'd never see these sights again She felt her feelings stir To know this chapter of her life Was gone forever more The fighting and the struggles She'd lived through all her life Were over now and she'd go on No pain or fear or strife So as the journey went on She clearly felt less fear Nearing her destination She shed a lonesome tear She stepped out on the platform Looking for the gate Spied the army uniform Approached, secured her fate Climbed into the waiting bus Looked at others there All looked apprehensive No eye contact just tears At seventeen she'd left behind The years of pain and hurt To serve for her own country And rise above the dirt She breathed in deep and steeled herself To face her tough new choice To finally become someone And find her own sweet voice Copyright November 2016 Jane Shields