i stand on the hanger floor
as the crowds tickles in
with somber eyes and
tear stained cheeks

i stand there
and watch these people weep
watching as my friends say goodbye
but i can't help it

as i feel nothing
as i laugh internally
knowing my time is next
and no one will cry for me

i start to move
and say to everyone
"I'll see you in week"
and ******* like regular

we crack jokes
about how the year will fly by
flying over afghanistan
and the stupid PT belts we have to wear

i look down at my watch
the seconds drag on
like we're trapped in a vortex
we just can't escape

a voice comes over the P.A system
"5 more mins and then we get the formation started"
as more tears stream down
the faces of family members

i make the rounds to say goodbye
it doesn't hit me
til i walk out the hanger door
i have a week, just seven days

til i am on the other side
watching it allover again
but it will be me
standing in formation

ready to leave