For a Friend.

Across the universe you lie sleeping now;
The representation of freedom and prosperity,
A human definition within the long lived,
Well enforced dictionary of pride-
Of love and loyalty,
Of ultimate sacrifice.

Many nights I have seen you there,
In the midst of darkness breathing steady in iron lungs,
Breeding confusion and muddled hate-
That by its simple nature renders fate as useless weaponry.

You are the protector, the pillar of strength,
Constitution and amendment,
Encased in living flesh.

For a fleeting season,
You have carried a sword for your country, this country, our country-
Bellowing the fighter's creed, strong and true,
In the ears of a world that threatens to destroy our own.

Honor lives within your bones, my friend-
Perseverance is the fortitude of your spine, dear patriot,
And my life goes with you.
Not because of the life which you have chosen,
But because for a lifetime and more,
You have been all of this to me.