Faster than the 5.56 being thrown out of an M-4 with a flash and a bang it strikes paper. Nothing more,
two deployments to a combat zone and the brass being expelled with hate and contempt strikes an item given to children as homework.
Futility remains and any dreams of “real service” escapes with a sigh.
Nothing more than kids roaming the streets, watching heat waves rise off of up armored vehicles wondering when it will be their turn.
The generations before us vow that it’s for the best, to leave without the scars.
Others depose due to our low fades and tattoos, we will hit the ground with flat feet if called upon.
These men left home in search of a higher purpose, to fight and even die for a flag. A representation. A reason.
Yet Here we wait, watching the scorpions and spiders hunt while we are chained.
told to fix our hair and wear a belt.
professional warfighters would never have an elbow tattoo nor would they be caught with a single dust bunny in their room.
So here we wait, with rage and hate gritting our teeth and poking holes in paper.
pogbaitpoetry is the pseudonym of an active duty Marine. Follow him here.
This week on the Savage Wonder podcast…
Matt Rendar is an Army combat veteran, current NYPD officer and wildly popular artist. His Etsy shop BattleTribe features evocative, colorful, playful, memorable images that pay homage to both his military past and his pop culture influences.