Fellowship Unforeseen

Written by: Andy Sprouse

As my departure from everything I've so far known
grows nearer in my sight, as I prepare to embrace it,
the support from those both close and stranger
floors me; with such backing, surely I can face it.

Occasionally the tears come close to brimming,
as I truly realize what I've meant, to kith and kin;
goosebumps stand out when I sit and ponder
what I've done, how such love to earn and win.

To me, I've simply lived my life, for others and for me,
strove to meet my expectations and done what I chose.
Yet it appears, along the road, I've made some memories, friends,
that I hope to see countless times again, ere the story's close.

Honor, courage, commitment, semper fidelis -
for these I've signed on; the opportunity to serve,
to defend, for this I have asked and been given.
I entreat eternity for the fortitude, that chance to deserve.

If every soul, every story, every journey through life
has moments such as these, then it's worth every pain;
sorrow, while always tragic, lends itself to better appreciation
of the true magic the world can offer - the arcane mundane.

I will likely never be able to say
what these simple looks and words now mean;
I take comfort and emotion from their faith and feelings,
strength that I may truly become a Marine.

Fate sometimes casts us over the edge,
but there's always some path, however faint the chance,
to make your way back; often it's the hand of another.
If you take it, then forever onwards, with fellowship you dance.