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Roll Call, a poem by Grambi Dora

Roll Call
by Grambi Dora

You cut back the fro
’cause the Army sergeants 
said the long hair had to go

You wasted thirty some odd days             
at the shit-shittin’ 
Fort Polk duty station
another rotation
before killin’ in Afghanistan 

But you had to fuck it up
mixin’ the doctor’s prescription
Demerol with shots of Grey Goose 

Now they pay you
 a 21-gun salute 

Taps plays down the tears 

Your M16A2 Rifle
stands butt stock up
with a sand buried nozzle
dog tags dangle 

Boots laced 
just there
where your feet 
were supposed to meet


Bio: Grambi Dora served served 4 years of active duty in the Army from June 2005 to June 2009. He graduated from Indiana University in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in General Studies, with concentrations in English and Psychology. He works full time at the Indianapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He enjoys writing, playing guitar and doing community service.