White Phase

March 2015

Keep it up, Third.
Remove those excuses hidden under your sleeves.
Swallow your obnoxious comments
that mock the soldiers doing the right thing.
Tuck them boot laces and snakes every waking morning.
Dress right dress e-v-e-r-y f*****g thing.
Move your freezing cold body
in unison.
Right face, left face, about face
in one purposeful motion.
Sound off---
because we feed off each other's energy.
Sound off---
to the cadences that build this nation's army.
The pain is temporary;
the scar, a lasting memory
of the obstacles you've achieved,
of the resiliency you've built
from facing your fears.
Sound off---
to those as dedicated as you.
to those who strive to become as motivated as you.
to those who invest in bringing out the best soldier in you.
Sound off---
to strength and honor.
to our fallen, angelic soldiers.
Wipe the sweat and blood away from today,
for tomorrow.
Let the tears fall off your face,
so you can focus on the march ahead,
just around the corner.
Hydrate with the seven Army Values,
on the daily.
Show your loyalty with action.
Fulfill your duties with all that you've got,
all that you have, all who you are.
Give respect to those who have earned it,
and especially to those who have yet to learn.
Provide selfless service because you live for it.
Commit yourself to honor those who have fallen before you
and to those who will fall beside you.
To have integrity means to follow through.
To have personal courage,
you only need to reach where you want to be---
no matter if you're blind to the route.
no matter if you struggle with distance.
Apply the seven Army Values,
and at the end of each day,
you'll feel the difference
and learn to embrace it.