The Things They Carried

Callie McLean
EDU 214
 As they trekked through the jungle the
soldiers carried everything they needed.
Physically they carried the supplies and tools
they needed to live, such as food, water, and
equipment for shelter. They carried their
weapons and armor having to be ready at a
moment notice to use them. If they had any
spare room they carried few personal items
to remind themselves of who they were and
what was waiting for them back home. Stunk
carries the slingshot, Sanders carries the brass
knuckles, Kiowa carries his grandfather’s
hatchet, and Jimmy Cross carries a good-luck
charm he receives from Martha, a pebble.
Emotionally the soldiers carried burdens far
heavier than any physical item. They carried
their lives with them, knowing they were at
risk of loosing everything they had. They
carried the deaths of fallen men laced with
the fear of joining them. They carried the
task of kill or be killed. While these burdens
can’t be seen they tugged on each individual
soldier, forcing their boots to sink deeper
into the mud with every step.