A simple rule of thumb

My army drill instruction

Once told me

I no longer

Belong to myself

And gave me

A simple rule of thumb:

Speak when I am spoken to,

Do what I’m told to do

When I’m told to do it

No matter what it is

And never, ever

Think for myself

Unless I ask

Permission first,

And then, he added

With a wry smile,

I might just survive