Too Young

Fresh out of high school thought it would be cool Signed on with the army not having a clue Sixteen weeks of training mental torture a must Than cast into battle not sure who to trust Left right left right you don't have a clue You thought what you left at home was bad Welcome to the Zoo Thunder is explosions whistles are bullets The red splattered paint marks are real now The artist is armed he's thrown his brush away Left right left right you didn't have a clue You thought what you left at home was bad Welcome to the zoo Marching through the desert sun blaring down Heat drains all your strength eyes see a faceless clown Hallucinations this can't be real Ground is shaking near me why cant I feel Left right left right you didn't have a clue You thought what you left at home was bad Welcome to the zoo Wake up eyes open room is clean and bright Who are they where am I why are they in white Immobile flat out strapped upon a bed This can't be Heaven I don't think I am dead? Eyes are closing fading away again Is this reality or simply the end Left right left right you didn't have a clue You thought what you left at home was bad Welcome to the zoo Loaded on an airplane headed for home Missing limbs and memories I never should have gone Welcomed by my family tears streaming down their face Prosthetics are amazing I guess I'll run another race Left right left right you didn't have a clue You thought what you left at home was bad Welcome to the zoo. Hoorah!

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Eric Boddie

Date: 1/31/2016 9:17:00 AM

such a sad story that needs to be heard....because so many take everything for granted, that's so absurd....though it may be needed, the military was never in my plan....I am a Soldier For Christ, I only have a helping hand....I just wish others had that same mentality today....which is one of the Greatest Reasons Why I Pray....powerful write kelli....;)

Kelli White
Date: 1/31/2016 9:37:00 AM

Thank you very much Eric

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser

Date: 1/14/2016 7:34:00 AM

Kellie, amazing lines, like the repetition of the welcome to the zoo, emphasizing the intensity of the message... Stay blessed! excellent pen! ~Olive ELoisa smiles!

Kelli White
Date: 1/14/2016 9:03:00 AM

Ty very much Olive

Dan Cwiak

Date: 1/11/2016 10:45:00 AM

Kelli, a simple "Thank You" is not enough to cover the feelings I have for your service and sacrifice. This is one of those reminders that youth courts danger on our behalf without always thinking out the consequences. Perhaps this is why we love them so much. Our hearts go out to you and your comrades, and we wish you every chance of happiness in the future. Keep Writing, as your voice is one that is needed!

Kelli White
Date: 1/11/2016 11:36:00 AM

Ty very much Dan. Courage in a young heart far out measures experience and knowledge. Kelli

Elaine George

Date: 1/11/2016 9:21:00 AM

Dear Kelli, You moved me to tears. Life is not for the faint of heart...it is a journey of roses and thorns. Amazing bio!!! Thank you for sharing. Sincerely, Elaine

Kelli White
Date: 1/11/2016 9:28:00 AM

Ty very much Elaine. Out of the bloom into the thorn bush.Kelli

Joanna Daniel

Date: 1/10/2016 10:44:00 AM

The poem is touching and sad too. Hats off to your bravery in writing this down ..But the "missing limbs and memories" tell the truth of your pain... Thank you for your comment..

Kelli White
Date: 1/10/2016 11:48:00 AM

Ty Joanna.

White Sage

Date: 1/9/2016 4:03:00 PM

I think the army's a great place though, but I believe some may be too young that they have no clue neither a choice than to carry the nation on their biceps...excellent write Kelli

Kelli White
Date: 1/9/2016 4:08:00 PM

Ty WS. What does not kill you either makes you stronger or breaks your brain

Emile Pinet

Date: 1/9/2016 11:58:00 AM

There is nothing to say that could give this poem it's rightful praise. It is written by the hand of a woman who has felt love, fear, exultation, grief, guilt, pain and dismay sift through her hands like the sands of time. The deep pool of emotion poured forth in this work almost drowns the reader in self contemplation feeling each emotion so skillfully enlisted by the author. A personal and private summation of an amazing life. Emile. #7

Kelli White
Date: 1/9/2016 12:09:00 PM

Ty so much Emile. Your appreciation is overwhelming. Kelli