The long grey line you walk on seems to fray on every gale
Tapered ends loosed by the blood the irons and the ale
Your hand-me-down force-feeding mom candy hearts that clot
Because your state-sponsored mementos too fall prey to time-sanctioned rot
I've no clue what I'm grasping but I'd pull it all down for you
To not lay strewn across the floor with your regalia
Please know I'm just being honest with the brave and not so few
When you return, I'll not be so wont to
It's a well-oiled machine pinning and planting white crosses
On your cuff, in the grounds logging our losses
So you'd relinquished your claremont hills for a hudson state of mind
And those with any good sense would profess you've left yours behind
But no more than the rest of the world that you love
As if any sacrifice could be enough (to save it)
Your brothers in arms, they are waiting I suppose
Just don't forget the ones with which you shared your clothes