A Soldiers Life
Why must we fight
Why must we die
Does the world not hear
The children cry
Who are the soldiers
Who give up their time
To prevent other countries
From committing a crime
What makes an invader
Think they have the right
To take over a country
Without a fight
If they want to invade us
They better beware
For they’ll come up against men
Full of courage and dare
Soldiers who struggle
From morning till night
To prepare themselves
For the ultimate fight
For the love of their children
For the pride of their land
They’ll fight with their weapons
They’ll kill with bare hands
It’s hard on their family
Especially their spouse
Who must look after the family
Look after the house
The training relentless
To stay sharp as a knife
What kind of person
Lives a soldiers life.
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My next set of four poems were from my younger life. Many of my earlier writings were what I was calling songs. Many were written with a musical cadence in my mind, rather than with an image, as most of my poems currently are.
My early days in the Military were filled with selfish and immature behaviour. Those years were also filled with highs and lows emotionally.
I was set on joining the Armoured Corps. My favourite Commander was Rommel. But, that was not to be. Being young and naive, when I expressed my desire to work with tanks, I was told that there would not be any Armoured positions available for 2 years. I didn't think the Recruiting Officer would lead me astray. So, when I was offered the Artillery as an alternative, I was shown a picture of an M109 SP Howitzer and told, "It's pretty close to a Tank and we can get you on you Basic Training in three months", plus "you can always change to the Armoured after you are in". Which was technically achievable, but harder in practice.
So, off to an awesome start in the military. Oh, it gets better. I have now completed my Basic Training in Cornwallis Nova Scotia and I am off to the Third Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, based at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba. Back to the young and foolish bit, I and others heading to 3 RCHA, availed ourselves to the alcohol on our flight to Winnipeg. Sergeant (Sgt) Reggie Lamoure, our New Course Sgt (I can remember his name but can't remember to take pills every day) was not very impressed or forgiving. Even though we were in the Civilian Airport and in our Dress Uniforms.
Having now done push-ups after a few drinks, I fell asleep on the bus ride to Shilo. Unfortunately, upon waking up shortly after turning off the Highway, the first thing I see is a sign, "Welcome to the Municipality of Cornwallis". I was completely confused and wondered what I had gotten myself into.
I will add that on a personal level, I look at my poems of today in comparison to my early song days, and I am very thankful that my poetry has improved. At least in my opinion.
I will continue my story with my next poem.
As noted before, I did not place my name and date of completion with my earlier poems. However, all of the poems from my book are copyright protected.
E.J.R. Hardy.
