Last Valor

Silent halls, echoing truth

A soldier's heart, in restless youth

Facing shadows of my own fate

In this quiet, I contemplate

Since 2001, I’ve served with pride

Carved through trials, never denied

Six-star rank, a life of grace

But now, exposed to this deadly place

Did it all mean something, this sacrifice?

Standing at the edge of my own demise

A Marine’s vow, a nation's call

Now I stand, asking it all

Is my fight worth this silent goodbye?

A hero’s tears, a questioning sky

Fighting for peace, paying the price

In these final days, I ask why

Kneeling down, to the divine

Searching for a sign, a reason, a line

Family’s face in my mind’s eye

Hold on to love, let hope fly

Walking my last mile, clear and true

A Marine’s soul, forever new

In the quiet, I find my peace

A hero’s legacy, a lasting release