"The Schoolhouse Lessons"
By My Sisyphean Journey
I was taught a lot in the schoolhouse
Many pubs
Lots of doctrine
But there’s something’s they didn’t have in a lesson plan
Or a training module
I wish I learned on whiteboard about what it’s like to watch a funeral alone on one of the sweet spots of a ship that always found signal
Wishing I was there at home
But more so glad I stayed with the boys instead of going back stateside
Maybe they could’ve had a hip pocket class on seeing the fellow Marine who was guilty of adultery with your spouse while you were away
At a required weekly base synch
Always quick to run out before he allows me to get in a word about his lack of morals
To include how you have to return to the office with a smile
As to not add personal stress to your Marines
Not even a small white space block to talk about compartmentalizing
When you’re at a child’s birthday party and get a news alert of an attack
Rushing outside to call friends in that area
Frantically pacing with each ring until they thankfully answer
Just to walk back in
and play air hockey
like nothing happened
Don’t worry though
Convoys and replenishments are on lock
I can plan and plan
To sustain
I can thank the schoolhouse
for what they did teach
My Sisyphean Journey is both photography and written works by an active duty Marine. You can follow him here.
What’s happening at VetRep…
Join us for an intimate evening of theater in the heart of Cornwall at our cozy Parlor on Quaker Ave. The final Parlor performance of the year will feature seven, 10-minute plays authored by veterans, including plays that have won grants through VetRep’s bi-annual Playwrighting competition. Settle in with a winter mocktail and dessert while we explore drama, comedy, and all the feelings in between through each short play.
POTSHOTS by Stephanie Kline
THE ELEPHANT DELIVERY by Bill Smith
FISH TALE by Phil Wozniak
GIVEN: A WAY by Michael Towers
INTERMISSION PLAY by Dakota Silvey
IT'S NOT BLOOD by Kim Ruyle
SUNSET & VINE by Jack Truman