ELKS

The gates are closed, still all white and tall.

A sign that says ELKS, the base we grew to love.

I see the overgrowth of trees and shrubs, weeds everywhere.

Nature has taken control. 

The main road is cracked and bare.

As it travels past the buildings we once shared.

I see the Headquarters, Brass everywhere.

The Mess Hall, the smell of food cooking on the grills.

The PX, Barber shop too.

I see the barracks where we all slept, called it home.

Partied and pulled CQ, the 0400 hour wake up calls.

The Parade field, it's at ease now.

No more formations.

No more baseball, football on weekends, evenings too.

The Motor pool, trks are gone.

Just an empty lot, with weeds blowing in the wind.

I can still smell the diesel fumes, as they lingered in the air.

Sidewalks empty now, remembering GI's going from building to building.

Be them privates to full bird Colonels.

The trks and jeeps loading up soldiers, going to work, maybe the medics or guard duty too.

Lights out in the buildings, no CQ.

No people on duty, as the base lays to rest.

Turn around to walk away, only memories standing there.

For the old GI's, we were Americas best.

Michael VanDyke @C 2023