Semper Fi

I suit up in my warrior gear. Fingers aligned across my brow. I smile at my enemies because I know who has my back. More brothers and sisters than any sorority or fraternity can boast. In spirit in crazy in mean we stand as one. Cross color and name and tree we sway the same. Formations that protect and instill fear. We hold lines that create barriers you dare breech. And I freeze at the revelation that we are mighty beyond physical strength. Smarter than necessary. As spiteful as we need be. With hand over heart I pledge to you and for you. And I lay down without hesitation as I know they will too. Because without doubt we believe in a world where even ignorance deserves a place. We learn from those who oppose us before turning their weapons back at them. And we talk crap and hide tears and fears boasting a bravery not even we understand. Our family and friends collect patches and stickers representing where we’ve been. And hang flags that never retreat. Spotted miles away by a walk and a posture. Held together by loyalty and camaraderie. Reveille keeps us woke. And we’ve mourned our lost. Regret them not. Driven by a vengeance forced upon us. With blistered feet we march on. With our aching backs we carry a world that often forgets us. But we never forget. And we’ll close our eyes tonight with distances between us and those we love. Worrying about everything we hold dear. Alone in a strange place with nothing more than what we can drag along. But tomorrow comes and we’ll do it again. And we need no more reason than life and liberty itself. So I suit up in my warrior gear. Dressed in a pride only few have earned. And place my cover upon my head. Salute the stranger who has my back. Tip my head to all who stand posts and bear arms. And align with nameless men and women who have become my bloodline through test and time. And I remain faithful to the cause that gives me cause."