You represent all a soldier leaves behind To ensure he holds his career in line Moving across the country Shaking up his life bluntly.
I wait for you wholehearted and ardent How could I think you’d be so important You are all but only a document Stating where my life goes for the moment. Will you show me new horizons? Take me back to familiar seasons? Truth be told, you have no use at all You’re a barrier on my path is all. I cannot wait to finally hold you So to prepare and forget about you. Because you could well be surprising And send my plans to hell by morning. You are the one who will shed light On what my new path shall be like As long as I don’t hold you in my hand My destiny could sway far from the plan.
Sometimes even in the same household Some fear you and others for you hope. Our loved ones endure you with sadness Neighbors hate you in all mightiness. You bring on compulsory goodbyes In a fool’s ‘‘see you later’’ disguise Hiding that joy in my mind From the ones I’ll leave behind. For my feet are still here But my spirit is gone All winter I dreamed of New adventures to come. If the swallow announces spring For military families, it’s this message of posting That will bring change, feared or hoped for A source of angst, even when longed for.