two of your biggest fears

when you're eighteen

in 1971

the scariest

words

other than your number

is up,

your drafted,

and about to be shipped off

to Vietnam,

is your girlfriend telling you

she's late.

i can still

feel the chill running up

my spine.

my mouth going

dry.

my hands beginning

to shake.

and then the elation when

she whispered 

into my ear.

don't worry.

it arrived, it's okay.