"Dear Marine Corps"

By Mason Rodrigue

It’s been a long two years since I walked away
from your empty promises.

You were a stern father,
and a cruel, manipulative mother,
but I miss you,
and all my brothers.

You made me a man,
somewhat.

I don’t know how to keep a job
or a woman,
or stay in any one place too long,
but I excel in chaos.
I still run
to the sound of the guns.

I deployed to the Civilian Division,
and I have been on a mission
to bridge the gap.

It turns out I didn’t need to kill anyone
to save who needs to be saved.

I thank you
more than I curse you
for teaching me to live out of a ruck,
and sleep wherever I find myself,
and ignore hunger in my belly
by filling it with purpose.

You taught me how to serve
everyone but myself.

I am still Semper Fidelis to you
at the cost of everything else.

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Mason Rodrigue is a former USMC machine gunner. Listen to his most recent interview on the Savage Wonder podcast here.

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