Descending the ramp in blistering heat,
The child surveyed his living conditions.
His youthful ears heard no trace of deceit
As they told him the facts about combat missions.

They processed him in, it took them all day,
And left him alone to face his first night.
He wondered who kept the enemy at bay
And what he would do if there was a fight.

The heat had exhausted him and so he slept,
Hoping and praying he'd be well protected.
But while he was sleeping the enemy crept
Close to his cot without being detected.

The attack began, bombs ripped through the air.
The child awoke and fell to the ground.
With trembling knees he fought back despair,
For guidance from others was not to be found.

He reached deep within his own fearful soul,
Finding the strength to endure this strange rite.
In an instant, the child was a man - fit and whole,
Who then calmly prepared and entered the fight.

Copyright 1984 Louis J. Rose All Rights Reserved.