To A Medic

by Robert Maxwell (Okie) O'Kane 1992

The language of the Infantry is simple and direct

No matter your previous vocabulary it soon gives way

All talk is reduced—no time for conversation

No parade ground drill—right face, left face, or column right or left

No long descriptions of battle plans rehearsed on maneuvers

Just the language of the foot soldier—always clear, often vulgar

Four letter words uttered in disgust, futility and anger

But directed at events, places and out of fear

Not as insults to buddies' faces

The language in battle is so often silent—a series of gestures, signals easily understood

When spoken the words are brief—"let's go", "take cover", "spread out", "duck", and "cover me"

The language of hurt is most often subdued—the shock of a wound is why

The words of the toughest of dog faces can quickly turn to words of comfort,

sympathy and tenderness

But we who were there remember most clearly

That singular, most plaintive of cries . . .

That simple word one accepts with a sigh . . .

MEDIC

Robert Maxwell O'Kane |  Foreword |  Dogface Soldier 
Stories Part 1 |  Stories Part 2 |  To A Medic |  Why