Silent Service

I watch as daddy crosses the metal bridge after giving me and mommy a kiss, I remember the first time I had to do this, I was six when he first left for this long, I remember crying then, I did not know what to do, He would miss my birthday next year, And Christmas, Now, seven years later, I am jaded when it comes down, My head hangs, yes, And the tears threaten to drip, But I decide to smile and watch him go, He kisses me again and I wave to him as he leaves us until nearly summer.