It’s OK to Be Me

I was just eighteen and fresh out of school

I was already certain, of what I needed to do

To serve my country, and make my family proud

To check out life, maybe a different country, a different crowd.

Joining the Marine Corp, I was in for a surprise

Different shapes, sizes, and colors, a great bunch of guys

It was there that I learned, about prejudice and hate 

Talking about living, and dying, and the great pearly gate.

Listening to stories, I could tell, some men were still healing

Stories of death and destruction, I started to feel what they were feeling

I would look at their face, the teardrops were falling 

To see the hurt in their eyes, I started bawling.

I would look away think “men aren’t suppose to cry”

Each one of us laughing, as we wipe the tears from our eyes

I had always heard, if a man cries he is weak 

That’s why most of my life, I’ve learned to turn the other cheek.

I’m proud to have served, and to have got to know my fellow man

With the eagle, globe, and anchor, to protect this great land

I also learned a lot, about peoples feelings, and their pride

Through life’s trials and tribulations, no longer should you hide.

I challenge everyone who reads this, go on and do a good deed

Lend a hand to your fellow man, or give to those who need

Receiving a gift is great, but have you ever tried to give

Give the gift of love, and watch people live. 

By Mark Lee