Beth Liechti

Be All You Can Be

I did
you did too
more than a slogan

qualified you to give
me to accept
that hot pink ballcap

not a sissy blush cover
modest and shrinking
often lost in the crowd

Hup Two, Three, Four
ARMY stitched in bold white block
sounding off across the brim

like our service when few
females swore an oath and
busted into the ranks

swapping skirts and submission
for combat boots, contingencies
and command

we signed up for
be all you can be
first time it rolled out

coming days will see me
crushing that hot pink ballcap
thinking of you sister

both of us saving the hugs
until we get to know
each other better