Letting the Effort Sink In
by Michael Doyle

Ceaselessly, we run death's drill,
Hoping to catch a little thrill.
The executive of this exercise
Leaves the terrorist none too wise.

We drilled hoping for the green light,
Knowing the expert's grace into the night.
We stressed to be the best we can.
The winner gets bragging rights for his wingman.

It's the team effort that gains victory.
It's been that way through history.
We let it sink in to keep us humble
As we separate through the rough and tumble.

How we got here depends on our inspiration.
How we stay here is 90% perspiration.
The best, they say, have some kind of holy lock.
It's the sharpest of all who know how to rock.

We go the extra mile to close in on the win.
Yet we know full well, we'll be at it again.
It feels like all the yesterdays come crashing in.
The conversation of war never seems to end.

It's the team effort that gains victory.
It's been that way through history.
We let it sink in to keep us humble
As we separate through the rough and tumble.

This life is best slowed without hurry.
It's a dance of parts sorted without worry.
At least on the surface to be seen.
But in the end, we're all human beings.

Hidden emotions are an old dusty road.
There are so many stories that never get told.
Who's to say if that's the bad or the good.
The ops go on, and that's understood.

It's the team effort that gains victory.
It's been that way through history.
We let it sink in to keep us humble
As we separate through the rough and tumble.

God forgives the things going bump in the night.
We can only pray to get things right.
As we wander through places we don't belong.
Our best hope is to keep the coffee strong.

We trust in ourselves; we trust in each other.
Every man on the team is our living brother.
Who is to say who there is that is expendable.
All we can hope is we all prove dependable.

It's the team effort that gains victory.
It's been that way through history.
We let it sink in to keep us humble
As we separate through the rough and tumble.

(c) October 24, 2026   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved