Author: dickking44

IT’S NOT MY JOB
© Copyright 2013 Richard Lee King

It’s not my job to fight the war, nor did I declare it.
But, the freedom that it brings, well I certainly want to share it.

 It’s not my job to train the troops, nor even to recruit them.
But, for the job that they all do, I certainly do salute them. 

It’s not my job to arm the soldier, I’m not in uniform.
But I can, & must, show my support, as they so expertly face the storm.

It’s not my job to fly the planes, nor do I drive the tanks.
But, all of those who do, deserve their entire country’s thanks. 

It’s not my job to be a warrior. I may not be that brave,
but I have humbly bowed my head, at many a warrior’s grave.

It’s not my job to protest, while lives are being lost.
Nor to mock the freedom, which comes at such great cost. 

Ours is the greatest country, we look out for all the rest.
Partially, it’s that sense of duty, which makes us the all-time very best.

It’s my job to honor my country, and in every way I can,
to stand behind her soldiers, and fall in line behind the plan. 

If I can’t do my job, it might be time for me to leave,
to seek another country in whose constitution I believe.

*********

Gramps use’ta say
© R.L.King 2012 #298

      
About: America’s Military

“The American way, ain’t about being strong enough to use force,,,,
it’s about being strong enough…
…to not have to.”

(and understanding the difference.)

MY SOLDIER
© 2013 Richard Lee King

We were fighting in Iraq, it was nineteen ninety one.
The war was on his mind and I was proud he was my son.
Then the reality struck, Uncle had gotten his man,
thanks to a strong recruiter, who sold a patriotic plan. 

It’s not that he was wronged, military was in his DNA,
but ending up in infantry? Surely there’s a better way.
Can’t say that there’s much future, in learning to drive a tank,
but somehow they convinced him, it’s a quicker way to gain in rank.  

He was a brave patriot, off doing Uncle Sam’s bidding,
but the first time he brought it up, I assumed he was only kidding.
He felt it was his calling, his duty, he believed.
When he finally got back home, I’ve never felt more relieved. 

He discharged as a Sergeant, after a 4 year infantry hitch,
though at that time, to me, it had seemed like “bait and switch.”
But once he’d done his duty, it made a great looking resume’
We considered that important, still do to this very day. 

He got a military education, then signed up to go to school.
Uncle Sam was footing the bill, no one said we’d raised a fool.
He’d come to be the man, his mom and I, had hoped to see,
and I know, she’d be as proud of him, as his Pops will always be.

*********

Gramps use’ta say
© – R.L.King  2012 #136

 
 About: Military Service – (Basic Training)

“You don’t know, what all you don’t know,
til you meet your DI.”

CLOSE TO THE FIRE
© Copyright 2013 Richard Lee King

The year is Nineteen Sixty Three, they’re fighting in Vietnam.
He’s standing close to the fire, awaiting the call from Uncle Sam.
They’re pulling peoples numbers, who’ll be the next to go?
Each drawing we all stand by, will it be someone we know?

He’s in his first year of college, seeking a better life,
working on building a home, a place for his soon-to-be wife.
By Sixty Five they’re married, still worried about his fate,
and though still attending classes, he’s now working for the State.

She says we’re having a baby; soon his first son will arrive.
If they call him off to war, how will they ever survive?
Soon they’ll draw more numbers; it’s called the draft lottery.
If they should pull his number, Vietnam is where he’ll likely be.

Some head for the Canadian border. Others,,, possibly to Mexico,
but if his number is called, to Uncle Sam is where he’ll go.
It’s not about being brave, though that might be debated,
it’s more about facing obligations, which can never be over stated.

This is our country and we find it extremely nice,
but it wouldn’t be that way, had not our forefathers paid the price.
Both his dad and oldest brother spent time with Uncle Sam,
and the lessons they both taught, helped him to become a man.

He’ll not volunteer, likely his body won’t pass the tests,
but if his Uncle calls, he’ll offer his very best.
Just as his Dad in Forty Four, and his brother in Fifty Three,
when Uncle Sam calls, he’ll answer to the need. 

In 44, when his Dad was drafted, it was to be “the last world war.”
He had 5 kids, and a wife at the ripe ol age of 34.
When his brother turned 18, they were fighting in Korea.
He signed up and told his parents, “When it’s over I’ll be back to see ya.”

Nearly 40 years later, with another war to be won,
his son joined the army, and learned to carry a gun.
He wanted to go to college, but it’s 91, we’re fighting in Iraq.
He enlists in the 4 year program, thinking school could wait til he got back.

With each new generation’s war, Uncle Sam might make that call,
and another family member, may be asked to give their all.
Standing close to the fire, facing the stress and strife,
for each new generation, seems it’s been our way of life.

*********

Gramps use’ta say
© R.L.King 2012 #281

About: Raising Kids

 “Inspiration comes in many forms,
but it’s hard to top
a well-timed paddlin.”