"Child Soldier"
By Amy Sexauer
Before I could buy alcohol
I sold my innocence
For street cred in the brotherhood
I learned how to throw my hips
Into a punch
Before I understood
What my hips were for
I grieved a fallen soldier
Before I ever grieved a broken heart
Before I enjoyed the taste of coffee
And kisses
I enjoyed the taste of winning
And labored to hold it in my mouth
I fantasized about what it would be like to kill somebody
Before I thought to fantasize about marrying somebody
I knew the familiar taste of sweat
Crystallizing on my skin
Before I knew others would taste that way
I trained to carry the weight of a man
Before I had ever carried the weight of a man
Amy Sexauer is a poet and author of Poppies published by Dead Reckoning Collective, from which this poem was taken. She is a West Point graduate who spent nine years on active duty in Military Police and Psychological Operations units. She is currently in the Army Reserves. You can see her perform live with us at Savage WonderGround: GHOST STORY on Halloween night in downtown Boston. Follow her here.
What’s happening at VetRep…
Listen to our interview this week with Michael Devine on the Savage Wonder Podcast.
Join us Halloween night in downtown Boston for Savage WonderGround: GHOST STORY. A unique show unlike any of our previous WonderGround performances, featuring Nicholas Efstathiou, Ayman Kafel, Ben Fortier, Amy Sexauer, Dave Campisano, and Dex. It’s invite only, get on this list here!
VetRep is thrilled to present “What the Butler Saw” for the month of October. Dr. Prentice, a psychiatric doctor in an exclusive private clinic, is attempting to interview (and seduce) an attractive would-be secretary, Geraldine. Unwittingly surprised by his wife, he hides the girl. The affairs multiply as Mrs. Prentice, being seduced and blackmailed by young bellhop Nicholas Beckett, has promised him the secretarial post. When a government inspector arrives, chaos, underpants, and cross-dressing lead the charge. Tickets have been selling out, reserve yours early before they’re gone!
On November 4, 2023, world-class guitarist (and military child) Michael Bard will be performing at Carnegie Hall – and a portion of the proceeds will go to VetRep! Get your tickets here.
We are currently offering multiple dates for our online Playwriting for Veterans classes, and our Acting for Beginners class is now being offered weekly every Saturday from 10am-12pm. Scholarships for qualifying veterans, as well as multi-class passes are available. Registration details can be found here.