We Were Soldiers

So insignificant so unnoticed.

"So important"

We were seldom noticed though!

Back in the day!

My simple name too long to utter.

I became Mal!

A number to be forgotten along with my identity.

A number given to us that none of us will ever ever forget!

!Tell me you forgot your regimental number!

! LIAR !

Even if you wanted out you remember it!

It's forever.

××××××08 My identity became just a number.

The old and infirm will forget many things.

"They will remember that regimental number though"

"Fact"

They will lose the beginning and the after but not the middle.

It binds to something that is so difficult for most to understand. So difficult for many to let go of.

The serial number of my rifle is still ingrained along with my regimental number.

Where are we now?

Not ingrained but planted!

Remnants of our former selves, perhaps growing, possibly stagnant.

Bones and joints that ache and protest at what we used do and be when we were without effect.

Dreams of friends lost one way or another flow and you start to think about your own mortality.

The body that was fast and fleet, now slowing and failing.

The muscle you built requiring longer and harder punishment just to retain some former glory now just seems like weight you carry.

1 year, 2 years, 3, 4 5, 10, 20, 22, retirement and full service and more for many.

How many push on because they fear what lays beyond. To know that they are now truly dispensable?

You don't need to move fast anymore. You no longer need to be stronger than a tank.

You earned your glory the day you voluntarily swore your oath of allegiance.

Many would shrink from such a thing.

"Stag On"

You once were and you still are a soldier.