Ushered to the crisp linen-backed folding chairs
reserved just for family in the front row
the emptied hangar now filled not with planes
but men in uniform all standing at attention
to my front, flags tall in a line behind them
a Navy band playing off to the side patiently waiting
the traditional pomp and circumstance to commence
this military ceremony honoring their station's
beloved commanding officer, my father
we sat so straight as we were trained to do aware
the warm eyes burning the backs of our necks
"You represent me, you will be watched by the crowd
remember that and behave accordingly," he warned
the Captain smartly strides his way to the stage
shoulders squared, head erect, his cover starched and placed
with visor exactly parallel, two inches above his eyebrows
in full dress whites as per the uniform of the day
he begins his speech full of praise for his troops
politically correct in noting not his own importance
a chest weighted down with multiple rows of colorful
medals betrays his futile attempt of humility
a sharp salute is delivered in respect as yet another
award is presented to this highly admired, successful man
this man who just the night before came to my door again
ordered me to his bed and did things to his nine year old
daughter for which I'm quite sure no medals are received.
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