Called into the Army while young and naïve
with visions of adventures not hard to conceive,
feelings of awe at this new chapter in life,
yet determined to make good whatever the strife.
 
The settings were strange with many things new,
including men from all walks to be soldiers, too.
Those who were bashful, timid and somewhat shy,
each in their own manner learned to get by.
 
This getting used to each other took a while,
but for every frown there was also a smile.
Good friendships developed as was slowly found
that many of like mind were all around.
 
The days went by quickly, sometimes with fun,
while learning about soldiering under a warm sun.
Training sessions soon end; men are sent everywhere.
Many new adventures are what all will share.
 
Battlefields claim most, where they see firsthand
the brutality of war when it scorches the land.
These scenes and experiences leave all much older
and completes the transition from boys to soldiers.