The Final Inspection

It’s the Marine, Sailor, Soldier and Airmen not the reporter
Who has given us the Freedom of the Press.
It’s the Marine, Sailor, Soldier and Airmen not the poet,
Who has given us the Freedom of Speech.
It’s the Marine, Sailor, Soldier and Airmen not the politicians
That ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness..
It’s the Marine, Sailor, Soldier and Airmen who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag.

– – –

When a friend sent me these pictures and the above “The Final Inspection”,
I knew I would share it, even if it took up all the space I had
such that I could never speak again.

Regardless our views, it can never be thought that the best of life
does not come without a cost.  I am thankful to those willing to
pay.  For some, it is the choice to believe in something
better than self – more than one man or one
voice can keep.

Some stories should be told; some tell themselves.

. . .

before the last sun
winks into the memory of the sea
will tides return me home
into your arms