eglin afb seething   a man stands still beneath the sun, a recruiters pitch has just begun. the uniform gleams, the words are smooth, but hes heard them all, and none will move. with every call to duty, clear, he simply taps the sign, sincere, a steady rhythm, soft but firm a quiet rebellion in his term. "join the ranks, a soldier's pride!" the recruiters voice, a rising tide. but the man just taps, no need for words, his hands speak truths that can't be heard. the sign bears lines of past intent, of promises broken, hopes misspent. a life, once free, now set in stone, he taps it oncehe taps alone. "defend the flag, your country needs, a heros journey, noble deeds!" but in his heart, a different call: the man who taps knows freedoms thrall. no boastful tales, no wars to fight, no medals won by endless night. his battles lie in quieter space in finding peace, in knowing grace. each tap a step toward who he is, a man who values life and bliss. with every touch, he holds his ground, refusing to be swayed or bound. "join the fight, and feel the pride!" the recruiter calls with arms open wide. but the man just tapshis answer clear hell stand for peace, and not for fear.
United States