Bruised and Burdened Backs and Bodies

Bested by years of service

Brought about by a yearning for purpose.

Bent and burdened shoulders

Shrugging under the weight of leading soldiers.

Bruised and battered neck and back,

Buffeted by high winds, jumps; about to crack.

Bothered and inflamed joints and knees

From ruck marches and other physical fees.

But.

But despite the body’s battles,

In the heart a sense of pride rattles.

Better to have been bruised

Than to have never served, or by the nation, used. 

-The Poet of Windy Blue

I wrote this poem in March of 2024 while undergoing a Physical Therapy routine after sustaining a pretty severe spine injury during my most recent training exercise. This has been my third time undergoing a physical therapy rehabilitation program in the last three years. The physical price of service has increased dramatically for me in recent years. It’s small acts of service like this that are often overlooked, ignored, or just not spoken about in the larger American culture. There is a saying in the military community that says “Some gave all, but all gave some,” and today I am realizing that this is very true.

While reflecting on all of this, I remember a conversation I had about 8 years ago when I was in college. I had asked one of my best friends and teammates for advice. If he thought I should choose to serve in the active duty Army or the reserves. His dad was a career reservist officer, and this friend knew me very well. I remember him saying “You’re too smart for the active duty side. You’ve got so much more to offer the world than your body. Go to the reserves.” I strongly considered this, but ultimately decided to go active duty. In hindsight, perhaps my friend was right, but also, despite the ways in which service has been difficult, I don’t regret it for a second. That’s where patriotism and pride overrides the logical and sensible part of my brain, I suppose. There will come a day when I will eventually transition out of active duty and give my body a break, but for now I will persevere, and am happy to do so. 

One last thought: Not only is the price of freedom high, but so too is the price paid to even get a chance to serve. That is to say: the price of service is high.