Please Picture A Parade

For my friend southern as he leaves for Afghanistan

When Tuesday comes

please picture a parade

outside your window

let dawns light

play and song inside your eyes

tell you 

"Southern we are so proud 

of your bodies tribute to protecting

our country, our bodies

with your beautiful, war tattoed body, 

of your soul, streaked with mud and blood

that is the soul 

the soul of a hero, 

you are 

our hero."

And as you pack away the memories 

and the undershirts

for more moments

of wearing 

for more moments

of tearing 

let yourself be at peace

with the pieces 

that are scattered

among the universe

on that day that you feel was cursed

let me tell you

he was blessed

beyond all belief

to have you hold him in his arms

you were his good luck charm

that he had you to know

until his time to go

and a hero 

is a hero

because he keeps on going

because he does what is right

whether that means to rest for his country

die for his country

love his country

or fight

please pack some extra candy

please kiss your apartment goodbye

please call your sister

before you go 

one last time

and please place gently in your mind

the picture of hero that we find

when we look at you

a beautiful, strong soldier,

so rough and redneck, yet so kind 

Southern we bless, thank, love and salute you

Hero to us all