A young mind lost and searching
No feeling for right or wrong
Where did my identity fit in
To what did my character belong
Vectoring in multiple directions
Not a ray of light would shine
An unknowable complicated roadmap
A blank canvas open by design
As usual the narrow way unseen
Confused as to what should define me
Leaning toward the unlawful
Hard truth I could not see
Somewhere in the foundation learning to seek
Finding strength by looking for why
Along the way discovering morality
A lofty trait worth the price
The Army made sense in that journey
Disciplined through martial life
Dedicated leaders find the good
Eager to repeat what is right
The mentors did not just appear
A harsh road perpetuated by need
Magic did not make the leaders
Our exceptionalism created this breed
JBentley-20Nov2023