The Strength I Have: Down Deep

Down deep you feel that strength you will need just once more,

Last time he extinguished that fire; he’s the one your love burned for.

There is nothing left but pain; that emptiness running so deep,

Losing myself, my mind, my dreams; leaving only residue in cracks does seep.

Remembering what all drilled and taught; ten years gone past;

Eighteen years young, dreams still alive, that yearning didn't last.

My best friend was my rifle and rack mate; my enemy sand pits and fleas,

Slide for dear life I did, fell a time or twelve, got right back up, rest a tease.

Co-Dependent NEVER! Avoidant or Dependent no way, no how, not me!

Adapted and overcame is what my inner voice whispers, almost in glee.

Long ago I was young, ambitious, fearless, confident; hell a scruffy recruit

Boot doesn't last but what it taught me sure did; Marine? NO HONOR? A hoot.

Deep Down inside me a rumble did build; that change finally came overcame me

My soul he sucked away was revived; i a miracle in ways I now do see

The truth boldly pointed and this I say to my reflection; stand in my own latrine

Standing strong, so proudly as I say its now time; Look at the United States Marine

God, Corps and Country is what life is about; you may not serve in fleet or war

Your day come and gone; but the corps is always within us, our heart, soul, never far.

I dig deep each day to remember that girl; no man would out run or out perform

Trained like an equal, my ambitions, the thirst ...attack now when depression does swarm

All Rights Reserved by Author: Abigayle Malchow (abbykorinnelee) 2010/11