I started this poem when stationed in Honduras. It has been edited many times. 

How long until rest will come

How long ‘til journey’s end.

The road has been long

And travels hard

How long ‘til journey’s end

 

I’ve borne this ruck of sorrow

And drank canteens of tears

All hoping for mission’s end

Along the many years.

 

I’ve humped and pulled

And carried on

And bowed my back in pain

I’ve traveled long and traveled hard

To myself right here

 

A thousand miles from nowhere

Along with just my fears

 

Tomorrow, I will rise again

And face the breaking day

I’ll don that ruck

That loads and drags me down

 

Some day, some one will lift it off

Some day, some one will take it away

Until that time, I’ll carry on

Until my dying day.