Marine

I was that which others did not want to be.

I went where others feared to go

I asked nothing from those who gave nothing

And reluctantly accepted that thought of

Eternal loneliness... should I fall.

I have seen the face of terror;

Felt the stinging cold of fear;

And enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love.

I have cried, pained, and hoped......

But most of all, I have lived times

others would say are best forgotten.

At least someday I will be able to say

That I was proud of what I was

A Marine.