The Making of a Vet
Michael J. Arndt
Head-shaved, anxious, green recruit
Needled, pummeled, tested, formed trainee
Pushed, marched, run, pulled young slick
Harassed, stripped, humbled swinging dick
Shooting, stabbing, jabbing, kicking killer-game
Columned, lined, spit polished graduate
Bragging, boasting, drinking boot camp vet
Lump-throated, tear-eyed, long-kissed leaving love
Fresh greened, pill fed, shot filled stranger from the world
Boot shined, big eyed, unsure cherry grunt
Packwearied, stumbled, tangled F N G
Heat racked, muddied, soft and sorer driver on
Unshaved, unbrushed, dirt and ragged leg
Humped, splashed, tangled animal of sweat
Shot at, bombed and queasy hugger of the earth
Fear filled, dry throated gambler with death
Ordered, reflexed, fired, killer in a dream
Deadened, angered, unmoved extinguisher of life
Seared, mangled, torn hunk of rotting flesh
Lauded, medaled, wearied, longer to get home
Unsure, joy and beer soaked rider to the world
Welcomed, kiss-hugged boy of many years
Brain etched, silent, unlost bearer of much pain
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