Where I’m  From

I am from soccer balls, from Tide and checkers.

I am from the second floor two bedroom apartment.

I am from the rose bushes, the aloe plants in the living room.

I am from Christmas Eve with my dad’s side and bull-headedness,

from Linda and Frank and Ray.

I am from the procrastinators and arguers.

From cry me a river and build me a bridge.

I am from Lutheranism.

I am from a mix of European countries, watermelon and pizza.

From the heart attack that took my father’s life, 

the phone call that delivered the bad news,

and the cigarettes my mother used to smoke.

I am from the box buried in the closet

filled with pictures that tell the story of my life.

I am going

I am going to uniforms and physical training,

Going to the bunkers cramped full of other men just like me,

I am going to command outposts

the building where my orders are given.

I am going to drill practice and combat training,

To Sergeants and Staff Sergeants,

I am going to squads and platoons,

To the commands of attention and forward march.

I am going to boot camp, rations and mess halls.

To the lock and load of the rifles, the unloading of the ammo,

And the deafening sound of the shots that protect our country.

I am going to the eagle globe and anchor,

 I am going to the few and the proud,

I am going to the Marine Corps.