Chevrons
By Steven Bates 25 November 2023
In every private’s knapsack
There’s a Marshall’s rank baton
On the sleeve of every Sad Sack
Could be a Sergeant’s rank chevron
For every lowest of the low
Be it Sailor or Marine
The sky’s the limit how high he’ll go
If he keeps his record clean
Though the thought of rank is burdensome
If one should persevere
The obstacles will be overcome
And epaulets of rank he’ll wear
The potential is in every troop
To take the mantle of command
To take the helm of ship or sloop
Or the swagger stick in hand
To lead the forces into war
Or guide them while in peace
The have the power to be more
And adorn the uniform crease
With a chevron made of stripes and stars
Plus a wreath if it’s achieved
Perhaps a General’s rank or Admiral’s bars
Can even be conceived
You have this power within you
To be anything you dream
Just don’t settle or make-do
And earn that chevron on your seam!