These days

I have prepared for war since
Since I was a boy. I joined the
Army at 17 and since then it was
What defined who I am and has
Helped to make who I am today.

Instead of rifles and bombs; my
Battles are now fought with texts
And in a classroom. It is a whole new
Battlefield, and scarier than those
That I have faced in the past.

I could always rely on strength,
Bravado, and sheer strength of
Will before. Now it is not enough.
The scars of battle now take
Their toll and what do I do?

I survived an enemy that
Intended to kill me and my
Friends. Now, I can't learn
How to work a fu*%^$#
Calculator. What happened?

I felt fear before battle, but
Never like this. A classroom
Winning over me? What part
Of me did I lose and will it
Ever be like it was for me, again?