我的老班长

——写给我的老班长薛闯

       文/张继春

我漫步在老部队营房，

当年的经历脑海激荡。

最难忘的——

还是老班长的形象。

一米八的大个儿健壮挺拔，

腰挎手枪

更加魁梧飒爽！

苏北口音那么有穿透力，

训练场上您的口令格外响亮。

私下聊天谈心，

滚滚暖流穿透心房，

给我启迪，

明我方向，

给我力量！

我漫步在老营房，

老班长的形象仍在心中闪光。

老干部子弟的您，

浑身都是向上的力量！

训练场上您主动示范，

险难任务您带头先上。

对战友您情真意切，

父母家事也挂在心上。

为防我偷偷加班过度疲劳，

您多次把我“关进”锅炉房。

清廉自律组织放心，

对人对事您敢说敢为敢当。

领导满意战友拥戴，

与您为伍石头也会发光！

我漫步在老营房，

老班长好像就在身旁。

尽管时过五十载，

眼前的一切都变了模样；

再不见火炮列阵，

再听不到军歌嘹亮。

但老班长的声音还在耳边回响。

榜样的力量无穷，

战友情谊永远芬芳。

可惜一起打拼的时光太短，

如有再生咱们还去同一个营房。

我们，还是战友，

您，还是我的班长！

My Former Squad Leader

——To XUE Chuang, My Former Squad Leader

Walking in the old barracks,

Memories of my experiences there

Keep flooding back to my mind

Though after years’ wear and tear.

Most vividly is the image

of my former Squad Leader,

A tall and sturdy figure

Of strong will and vigour.

With a pistol at his waist,

He exuded pride and confidence,

but no arrogance or swagger.

With penetrating northern Jiangsu accent,

His commanding words on the training ground

Ignited passion and power.

The now and then private talks

Full of camaraderie,

Still fresh in my memory

Like warm currents gathering

And flowing through my soul,

Enlightening, illuminating

And most encouraging!

Indeed, the best model role!

Walking in the old barracks,

The image of my former Squad Leader,

A man of will and foresight,

Still shines, so bright!

As the son of a revolutionary veteran,

You set a fine example for the servicemen!

In daily training,

You were the first in demonstrations,

And in challenging missions,

You were always in the lead,

Without hesitation.

To your comrades-in-arms

You showed deep love and care,

And even their family difficulties

You’d willingly share.

From working long hours

To keep me away,

You “locked” me up in the boiler room

time and again.

I never complained.

Of course, no dismay.

Following your example

The best qualities I tried

To learn and display.

With integrity and self-discipline,

You spoke and acted

For what was right.

The superiors trusted you

And your fellow comrades revered you.

With you in charge

Even stones can glitter

Like stars so bright!

Walking in the old barracks,

My former Squad Leader

Seems right by my side.

Though fifty years have gone

And everything has changed,

I no longer see artilleries anywhere hide,

Nor hear the military songs

Resounding with pride.

But the voice of my former Squad Leader

Still echoes in my ears all along.

And the bonds of former soldiers

Remain true and strong!

Pity it is our time together

Was brief and short.

May I now, my mate,

Beg your support:

Were we to be reborn,

We still go to the same unit,

Share the same canteen & dorm,

Fight together,

And you, still my Squad Leader!

【作者简介】张继春，出生于山东。大学英文专业毕业后赴澳大利亚留学。曾在中国驻多个国家使馆工作，历任翻译、武官秘书、武官助理、联合国军事观察员、武官等职。主要出版著作有《驻外人员军事外交实用英文文书》（2008年正式出版，2012年修订再版）、《凯旋战士的心声》中英文诗集（2013年）、《美丽的新西兰》中英文诗画集（2013年）、《老兵情歌》中英文诗集（2023年）等。

 （本稿编辑：时雨）