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This writing was accepted for publication in the 84 page perfect-bound issue... Down in the Dirt magazine (v110) (the September 2012 Issue) You can also order this 5.5" x 8.5" issue as an ISSN# paperback book:

Order this writing in the book Falling (a Down in the Dirt collection book)		get the 230 page Sept. - Dec. 2012 Down in the Dirt magazine issue collection 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Courage Boys!

Jeffrey Park

Courage boys! Courage under fire, courage
in the face of near-certain death, stiffen
those lips and what-not, stop that trembling
trembling trembling,
steady now, forward three steps, back one,
now forward again, hop, hop, big jump
and slide...slide...slide back a full body length,
hunker down lads and tuck you’re your chins down
deep between your knees and don’t get distracted
by what you find there.

We’ll be needing to move again shortly, marching
sharply in broken formation
hup-two
hup-two
and now for the big push, the shake and bake,
under the wire, through the crawlways, up over
the electrified fence, slog through the moat,
dash through the fire and don’t forget
to slap out your buddy’s eyebrows.

And you’ve made it, lads, give a great big
hug to the buddy on your right, on your left, no
need to thank me but someday
when your grandkids ask you about this historic
day, you’ll be able to say, aye, I was there,
I answered the call and I did my part,
my own small modest part for king, country,
and a way of life still envied round the world:
inspiration, aspiration, a splash of perspiration,
secret ingredients in the sauce of victory.

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