Also a Nice Compact

Rusting: a slow-burn waltz

Iron and air as they wait for something.

Wait for when, wait for what, wait for whom?

Forty new years and a north star state hospital room

And you.

Have i been rusting, too, oh, dear soldier?

Cuz i've been waiting.

And i'm a little worse for the wear

(as i'm sure you're aware by now)

So forgive me. please come out?

Oh, you're killing me, boy scout.

I fought for victory

As i stormed the beach.

Beneath the corrosion,

Metal lies lustrous, metal lies brave

As the day it was hung from the neck

Of a bright-eyed boy from texas

For his valor. for your valor,

On my honor, i will not dissappoint you again.

Have i been rusting, too, oh, dear soldier?

Cuz i've been waiting.

And i'm a little worse for the wear

(as i'm sure you're aware by now)

So forgive me. please come out?

Oh, you're killing me, boy scout.

I fought for victory

As i stormed the beach.

But my campaign has failed,

Though i fought valiantly.

Your defenses, dear soldier

Have pushed me back to sea.

Clutching this fistful of sand

That will make its way home with me

Destined for a bottle on a mantle: white label, black block print: "places i've been (slash) would like to see again."

But my campaign has failed,

Though i fought valiantly.

Your defenses, dear soldier

Have pushed me back to sea.

Back to sea

I won't be back to see you...