He Stands

 

At boot he stands

He longs for the warmth of his rack

for a good meal

For friends, family to see

when he finally gets back

 

On board ship, he stands

Sea bag in one hand,

A picture of his love

In the other

Out to sea he will go,

with her love

forever

 

On deck he stands

He keeps a watchful eye

His ears tuned to the music of the seas

Though his attention is present

His mind wanders

 

At sea he stands

To protect and serve

Until all threats are gone

Then and only then

Can he stand down

For he has peace

to preserve

 

On watch, he stands

He thinks of his home,

of his family

He has his duty to his country

But to him it is more.

Duty to family

His Navy family and his own

 

 

At home he stands

He looks at the pictures

of the sailors of before

and of now

He smiles, and quietly he says,

“It is now your watch,

to stand.”

In heaven he waits,

The old guard greets him

And laugh as he asks them,

“where do I stand now?”

“Your time is complete,

your watches

you have stood,

the peace

you have preserved,

and now,

you can have a seat,

or for eternity you can

stand.”