HOME :: AWARDS :: ISSUES ::
:: CLU HOME :: WEB SITE SEARCH :: DIRECTORY


2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1988
1985
1983
1979
                    1983

Literary Art


Visual Art



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




Home | Awards | Issues


©2004-2006 CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY     |     Please send Web site comments, requests and report broken links to the Web Center.
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY, 60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.   (805) 492-2411