Stopping next at the clothing point, I picked up all my needs.
"It’s not what I would wear," he said, "if I wanted to succeed.
But those who choose this type of work need such sturdy wear.
They need lots of clothes this color but have little need of hair."
Along we moved together and as he rambled on,
I just had to question his resolve to get things done.

Next, we reached the issue point, and I gathered up some stuff;
Canteens, and pack, and other gear, I’ll need when things get tough.
"Someone should prepare to fight," he said," I suppose, if that need be.
It makes me glad that it is so, if we are to stay free."
Sure wish this were like the Big Ones, not like those jungle wars,
But we never seem to believe, we have a True Cause, anymore.

Indeed, at times I’d pondered, why I’d gotten in this line.
We wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, then hurry up when time.
For me, I guess, it must have been, the travel, thrill and fun,
But in my heart, I guess I knew, there was something to be done.
And so it is, that I am here, not itching to be bloodied,
But ready still to pay the price, if Freedom would be muddied.

If war should be the course this time, or in some time to come,
I’ll be ready when they call, and I will do what need be done.
The line bogged down, and so, we were stranded for awhile.
He wrung his hands, and wiped his brow, as we shuffled in that file.
He’s a weak-kneed sort, I thought, who feels there’s nothing worth a fight.
Would he go the extra mile, even if the time was right?

I mused a rule of house keeping, ‘clean up the mess while small’,
But ‘fast-lane life’ deceives us, and we ignore the call.
My friend agreed, but turned away, while nodding it was so,
Then offered up some reasoning, on why he shouldn’t go.
Not interested in the least, was he, in picking up a gun.
I put my rifle on my shoulder, He said, "Sorry, got to run."

"But good luck with this conflict, we’ll be watching close to see…
Don’t know what else to tell you, except I’m glad that we are free."
Reaching to my war belt, I grabbed a magazine.
Looking for direction I surveyed the whole scene.
Turning back around, I saw my "friend" was now long gone.
And so, I would do alone, what needed to be done.

Starting then to look, to the limit of my view,
My eyes fell on a couple, with skin of different hue,
Waving at a young man, up ahead of me,
A Son, or a Brother, they hoped again to see.
Close by them a young Mother, with a small one at her side,
Tried hard to hold the tears back, but didn’t try to hide.

And near them, on a set of wheels, set up so he could ride,
A Vet with Daughter uniformed, was beaming with earned pride.
My thoughts were floating off, to what might be better times,
Soon though, I was back, getting ready for "The Line".
My Countrymen American, are such a different lot, and
They often take for granted, those who pay for what they’ve got.

When, and if, back home again, there is no music loud,
The game ahead, will still be played, even if there is no crowd.
And as I stood there thinking, of peace or war, along "The Line",
I heard a voice yell over, "We won’t let you down this time!"
I know now, that I’m ready, even though some say,"Don’t go."
I will do what I must, whether thanks will come or no.

With Pride and Integrity, I’ll uphold what is True
Even if I’m never Honored, or the Praise is overdue.
When it’s tough to hold on, and painful though things be,
I know that I will make it through, to Victory.