The Letters

I have re-read some of the letters I wrote to

My mother while I was in the Army some fifty

Years ago. In a way, I am a bit embarrassed by

Their juvenility, all the mushy missing home

Business, all the tough military regiments and

Such. But then I must concede that I was only

Seventeen-years old at the time. Back then,

Mother probably had a chuckle or two reading

Them as I have now. Oh well, she could have

Mused, at least he had good intentions writing

To me in the first place. But one thing may have

Been apparent to her—she didn’t raise another

Longfellow or Hemingway. Mother has long since

Passed, so I can only guess at what may have

Crossed her mind at the time: Maybe when he

Is finished with his three year term of enlistment,

He will come home and get a job at the factory.

They’re always hiring. Or, perhaps he’ll take

After his father and sell insurance. Heaven forbid.

Chris Hanch 9-25-15