basic training
ray heinrich
exhausted
we finish another hike
in the desert around Fort Bliss, El Paso
laughing
at fatigues made white under our arms
from the salt left from our sweat
bullshitting
in the large, open barracks showers
my friend George says
“basic training is like a REALLY long gym class”
“but you get to carry real weapons”
i say
“but they’re not loaded”
says george
“do you REALLY want Wilkins (another friend of ours)
walking behind YOU with a loaded weapon?”
“NOOOOOOO!” we both shout.
(but guess who ends up in Viet Nam)
on that cue
about six more guys walk into the showers
i can’t help noticing
their cute little dorks
bouncing
on top of their balls as they walk
followed obediently by their
tight little asses
and the muscles of their legs
are pumped and distinct
from the miles of walking
i immediately start zen meditation
filling my head
with the sound of one hand clapping
because
in basic training
it is considered rude
especially in the shower
to get a hard-on
from watching your fellow soldiers
then i’m saved
as George motions we should leave
you see
George doesn’t like the open showers
he can’t stand the thought
that some queer
might be watching him
don’t worry George
i say
your butt is way too ugly
he laughs
we laugh together
