Wake up gasping
its just a dream, just a dream
close your eyes
see it flash across your closed eyelids
jump up and take in your room
everyones still asleep
good.
Climb down quietly
pull out your clothes and suit up
lace your boots and fix your collar
grab your cover and check for your id
sneak out through the door and into a bright hallway.
Passing two people you exchange a fixed smile
glassy eyes and a crooked grin
they don't see the desperation.
Nod to the watches and display your id
"Permission to go ashore"
Please don't let me leave
"Permission Granted"
Don't care, just go
salute the flag
such a beautiful image
if only it wasn't a lie.
You joined to fight
for a country that you believed in
you were beat down and stripped of everything
given not a title
but a branding, property.
They spoke of honor
they took yours
they spoke of commitment to each other
they didn't care about you
they spoke of bravery
you braved their ignorance for too long.
You march out with your shoulders slumped
a lost and defeated look on your face
your feet lead you to the place
where everyone can see their mistake
where everyone will have to notice
to realize
to understand
what they missed.
People come out of the buildings
and they notice you
standing in the middle of Ross field
dressed impeccably and standing straight
and there's a split moment to admire
before you raise that weapon to your chest
and you pull the trigger.
Lying on the wet grass
your smile reaches your eyes for the first time
in a long time
you're not invisible anymore
they can see you now.
