JBentley

American Breed

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