Now as the bachelors quail before his rage
A squad of infantry approached the stage.
They formed the second squad of first platoon
In bravo company. This opportune
Occasion to observe and learn the trade
Meant the lieutenant led the men who made
Their way within the marketplace that day.
Although the officer commanded sway
He readily admitted he was green.
His captain had advised the young marine
That he should trust his senior
NCOs
To guide his judgement and to counterpose
His inexperience with the expertise
That they acquired by fighting enemies.
The sergeant in command of second squad
Had twice deployed to fight upon this sod.
Then to prepare reentry to the fray,
For fifteen months he'd trained in Monterey
With Arabic instructors of repute
Who taught him at the
language institute.
