C O M B A T the Literary Expression of Battlefield Touchstones ™ ISSN 1542-1546 Volume 03 Number 01 Winter ©Jan 2005 Want? ... Not Much What do I want? ... not much. I want to honorably serve my country; And for my military expertise not to be squandered. I want the sacrifices of my comrades to be appreciated; And for politicians to stop taking credit for our achievements. I want our history to be remembered; And for the persistent legacy of enmity to cease. I want our battle monuments to caution our leaders; And for the desecration of our national symbols to halt. What do I want? ... not much. I want our common laws to become commonplace; And for our statutes to be reduced to an honor code. I want government to get off everybody's back; And for bureaucrats to go out and find REAL jobs. I want the media to stop telling lies; And for no one to ever again excuse misconduct. I want teachers to stop preaching; And for preachers to start ministering. What do I want? ... not much. I want narcissism to transform itself into altruism; And for people to stop abusing themselves. I want people to respect their differences; And for neighbors to willingly help each other. I want the weak and vulnerable protected; And for sanctuary to comfort the dispossessed. I want peace and love, kindness and charity to prevail; And I want to pound the hell out of everyone who disagrees! by Erin Galloglass ... who is a combat disabled veteran, a bookseller, and freelance writer.