Boot Camp

I thought about you
my boy who insisted on NIKES and feathers
running through his days
with a stubble of red hair
in combat boots

when we got home
I found we had left the door open
the chicks were huddled in the corner
of the brooder for warmth
I turned up the heat
got a call from some ham operator
with your address

Robert got a buzz
he sticks it up in the morning
with gel
smoothing down the sides
John stll had his tail
Carlo wears baggys
and Reeboks
this morning your dad
watching the chickes under the lamp
wanted to know
when they would be done
I don't mind the Marine sticker
on the VW much
I wish someone would clean it out though