To the 2 a.m. Soldier

This is for all the early morning tea, and especially all the late night beers. This is for the one to many phone calls to help dry out every last tear. For your heart is soft while your shoulders stay strong. Comforting and consoling when life does us all wrong. This is for the gentle nod when we walk through the door. And this is for the hard kick to the rear when we keep going back for more. How do your needs stay unmet? No attention paid at all. Yet you're calming to a short fuse and give the confidence to stand tall. This is for the rescue from the days that tend to drag on and on. This is for the company when for whatever reason we seem to fear the dawn. And still you march through your days like each one is your last. Always putting your head up first regardless of the past. This is for the lost souls that you so gracefully guide back to shore. This is for the new found respect, for with everyday that passes we love you more. Your name says it all, a priceless gem of desire so rare. If your friendship had a reward, you would find yourself a millionaire. This is for ones who no longer have the voice to truly say "Ruby, I thank you". So in honor we stand in front, next and behind during this deeper shade of blue.