What to do...
I'll look it up.
Just ten steps they say?
That's all it takes?
They're kidding, right?
I'll look at it anyway.
One
Don't tell him that you're miserable.
Don't let him see your pain.
Keep his spirits up,
And don't let him see
That you miss him more each day.
Two
If you're engaged, or committed
Always try to remember:
He's doing this not only for himself
But for you
And your future together.
Three
Encouragement is key, now.
Let him think you're doing okay.
Don't let him know
That you're depressed.
"I'm fine, I promise." you'll have to say.
Four
First he'll go through boot camp,
Then after that is school.
His job will depend
On where he is,
Which might not be near you.
Five
The Navy is very demanding
So don't expect contact right away
He's probably busy;
He's worse off than you;
Give him a bit of a break.
Six
Try to write him every day,
Even if he says not to.
It'll feel like
A conversation, of sorts,
Even if his replies are few.
Seven
Nothing colorful on the letters,
Nothing girly or cute.
If his commander sees that,
He'll be made fun of,
And given more push-ups to do.
Eight
This step says to just relax,
Find a hobby, don't wait and sit.
Do something, do anything,
Keep yourself busy,
It'll be over before you know it.
Nine
Keep in touch with his family;
They are suffering too.
Chances are
They've been with him longer
And are hurting twice as much as you.
Ten
Stay faithful to him, always.
Don't be the girl that roams.
Be fair to your sailor,
Tell him you love him,
And you're waiting for him to come home.
Ten steps is all it takes, they say.
Ten steps and you'll be fine.
Even with ten steps to take,
I'll miss you dearly, sailor of mine.