Struggles of a Guidon Bearer

Wake to the sound of time honored tradition.
Race the clock to appease those whom
Will release my spirit and input a soldier.
My heart pounds faster than my boots ever will.
My feet acknowledge what my mind does not.
Strive for perfection,
To become one.
Call strength from the deepest places within
You never knew to exist.
59 days of unspoken torture
That push you past your breaking point.
Let your brothers be the pieces
Of you that they broke.
Build yourself into something that resembles perfection.
Mold yourself into the shape of a sword and shield.
Paint yourself the color of freedom.
Only then will you have completed
That which is the guardian of the big brother
And can celebrate having passed the ultimate test.
Stand up tall on that 59th day.
Stand tall and strong
Like the flag in my hand.
Proudly walk next to the one who made you
Into this soldier drenched in Air Force blue.