I left the Security Zone at about 5: 30 p.m.
And headed the Risk Zone.
I was self-assured, well-armed and resolute;
A fine soldier I was.
I mingled with the people on the platform,
Boarded the ground train with them, smelt their odours.
A mixture of perspiration and motor oils
travelled with me for a while,
Got off at the Market, where I bought greens and veggies,
And got on the train again for a few more stops.
The train left me there,
in the Risk Zone, where I debarked at about 7: 00 p.m.
The place assigned to me looked deserted,
There was no one to greet there, friend or enemy
Silently, I closed the door of the barn behind me.
And there, in the middle of the room,
Halfway to the bathroom,
It suddenly struck me:
I was alone, irresolute and unfit for what was yet to come.
I took off my clothes slowly,
Forced myself into the tub,
Let the water run over my head and body,
And prayed God so I might cry;
But, as you certainly must know,
Lieutenant, Sir,
Fine soldiers never cry
So nor did I.