One thing from my
Army basic training stands out,
My trusted P-38.
Our training was rough,
In the hot July sun.
Our breakfast and evening meals,
Held in the dining hall.
But, during the day –
Out in the heat,
The dust and sometimes the mud.
We ate the noon meal outside.
C-Rations were handed out.
The main canned food item
Had previously been removed.
They were placed in boiling water,
And handed out by the cook.
We would stand in line,
Waiting our turn.
You never knew what you would get.
No choice, luck of the draw.
Then, the trading would begin,
Hot food item for the cigarettes.
Round chocolate bar for the cigarettes.
This would go on for a few minutes.
Then, settling in,
Opening your cans with your,
Trusted P-38
Gulping down your meal,
Because, when the sergeant says,
Move out, you move out.
My trusted P-38,
I carry it with me,
Even to this day.
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