The Men Next to Me

The man next to me.

Usually in a camo uniform.

Or a blue jacket.

He has tags around his neck.

A shaven clean face.

And the American flag painted on his shoulder.

I look at him.

I look at everything he has done for this country.

I look and fear for a day he may never come home.

My only concern for this country.

My concern is for the man I love.

My concern is for my best friend.

Both who can work and go to school.

But get called away once a month.

And also deployed.

My concern is for my cousin.

He wears his army hat proud.

Hes staying even longer to be a field medic.

He is my biggest fear.

My concern is for my brother.

Who is finally out.

After five years of the toughest of the branches.

My Mothers car stamped with "My son is a Marine".

My concern is for my loved ones.

My concern is for the men next to me.