Deployment?

Should I volunteer?

Should I ask to go where life and limb

are in danger every moment?

Or shall I enjoy the opportunity

to hold my wife,

to know my son?

I lay here in my comfortable bed,

the smooth form of her breast

filling the void of my open hand,

And I wonder,

Is it fear that stops me?

Or pragmatism?

And what is it I fear?

Is it death?  I think not.

Is it wounds?  Not that either.

I fear leading men into battle.

Can I keep them safe?

And what of those who die?

What shall I do?