Ray W. Sarlin

COMBAT LEADER

You thought that I asked without caring to know the answer.
That I wasn’t interested.

You thought that I only pretended to pay attention to you
When I asked about your family.

You thought that I simply wanted to impress the Old Man
When I reprimanded you.

You thought that I was just trying to get you to like me
When I laughed at your jokes.

You thought that I was looking for an edge over you
When I asked your opinion.

You thought that I merely wanted something from you
When I slapped your back.

You thought that I didn’t respect you or your ability
When I pushed you to shape up.

You thought that I didn’t trust you or appreciate you
When I checked your ammo.

You thought that I personally had it in for you
When my orders put you at risk.

You thought that I was looking out for myself in the ambush
When I pushed you down.

You thought that I was crying tears of relief that it wasn’t me
When I tried to stop your bleeding.

You would’ve thought that I was going through the motions
When I wrote your letter.

I wish that you were still around so that I could tell you.
That you were wrong.