Transgenders In The Foxholes

This poet because of his ears during the Vietnam War was classified 1-Y

Only in the case of a declaration of national emergency would he be at risk to be sent off to die

Never had the chance to share a foxhole or charge with a Band of Brothers near death

To watch comrades shot to pieces yet to somehow, someway survive to take another breath

In the 60’s the concept of transgenders did not in the military macho world exist

Gays if not totally closet most likely could not be drafted and could not enlist

Today Ash Carter the Secretary of Defense

When it comes to transgenders no longer stayed on the fence

If you have been in your new identity for 18 months confirmed

Welcome to the Armed Forces for your patriotism to be affirmed

Regardless of chromosomes, regardless of sex or identity ponder or have a changing wish

You can serve this country when the dogs of war are released to chow down at the Martian dish

The world for the baby boomers growing up in Father Knows Best  are now exposed to change at hyper speed

Aging, baptized by the disrespect for authority in the Vietnam War, the old voices of order no longer to heed

In the days when rifles and full ammo loads weighed 60 plus pounds

You might want to be surrounded by strong young men who would hold their ground

Today, when brute strength and endurance may not be the key

But rather the idealism to stand and die when the forces of terror are on a killing spree

Welcome to the foxhole, Bruce or Caitlin who to protect the civilians will give up dearly his or her life

All hands on deck whatever the gender may be with thoughts to win against the forces of evil that are running rife

© June 30, 2016, Michael P. Ridley aka the Alaskanpoet 
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