On being a man.

It is found in Roosevelt's valor
And bounding gusto.
It is found in Frederick Douglass's
Coffee-colored courage.
It is found in trenches around the world
And throughout history
Where men took their stand
For their children and wives.
It is found between the scars
On my grandfathers side
Where Viet-Cong bullets
Tried to take his life
Because he stood for freedom
Because he stood for right.
All I have to my name
Are worn chuck-taylors, wrinkled t-shirts
And a heart to be half the man
That they were.
I've taken my oath,
And signed the dotted line
To defend my country,
My bookend,
And your rights.
I'm waiting my turn to stand with pride
Wearing the garment of honor,
The symbol of courage,
The graveclothes of many honorable men,
The uniform of freedom's defense.
I'm waiting the turn to make my last name proud
As my grandfather before me.
I'm waiting the turn to stand with honor high
Wearing the title of Private First Class
My badge of valor,
My accomplished prize.