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...