“He’s the Navy’s now,” she said, while the father couldn’t speak.
Her voice, a cracking mask exposing the bitter truth
That had filled them with joy.
It once made them glow,
puffing out their chests, smiling wide.
That’s my boy, yes that’s him.
Proud they will always be, but now they realize
The price that must be paid
For raising such a child
Of rare character and integrity.
A child who seeks honor.
A child who wants to be a man.
“And what an honor it is! To serve your country!
To fight for those you love
And those you'll never know!”
They had said.
“How prestigious, how impressive!”
They’ll never pay a dime!
Oh, but he’ll pay with his time
And oh, they’ll pay
With their child’s life on the line.
But he is no longer theirs,
no longer their baby, their child.
He is a man.
He is the Navy’s now.