Marines

Marines are gathering in formation

uniforms as crisp as the morning air

eyes focused with absolute resolve

squared shoulders are broad to carry a country

yet,  gentle enough to hold an infant’s hand.

They march as one and stand alone

and with military snap – a salute

as the bugle calls back the souls

at the perimeters of threat

standing their diligent watch

on the line

on edge

on the ledge

because there is the 239

years of pledge:

“Semper Fi”.