The rush of speed soars

      Me to the top of the clouds

Barely a moment’s glance

Of what I left behind

Within minutes of flight

My whirling mind settles

Allowing thoughts to creep

Into my weary soul

So young is the baby

      That I left at home  

While I fight for my country

In an endless war

She will crawl and cry

While I’m far away

Maybe even speak words

To my absent ears

So beautiful is my wife

That stood proudly by

Watching my uniform

Vanish into the crowd

She will worry and wait

      While I’m in distant lands

Maybe even regret my choice

To leave her side

So calm is my father

That spoke privately to me

As I packed the old car

With bags for foreign lands

He will hide his fear

For his only son

Masked with fevered pride

Praying for my return

Jarred back to reality

By the landing gear

No more time for thoughts

On this year’s tour

No more time for rest

Or silent reflection

Just time to honor my duty

My country and my family