BARNEY FIFE GUARDS THE AIRPORT

They marched in out of step
looking awesomely inept
They look sloppy and overweight
ogling women looking for a date
They make you feel good.
They would on report if they were mine
Uniforms sloppily worn, boots need a shine.
Magazine pouches and wells empty
ready to fight for our safety
They make you feel good
They are there to look good
That is easily understood
Anyone with a trained eye
will wonder exactly why
They make you feel good.

©Copyright October 2001 by Mark I. Kirkmeyer

Author’s Note: Written during the terror and heightened security after 9-11, this poem is an indictment against the lack of training and preparedness of a particular National Guard Unit who were expected to guard a local airport. I doubt that this was an isolated incident.