These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Hand, Over My Heart

The day you left to stand for me,
Hand, over my heart.
Each battle fought to keep me free,
Hand, over my heart.

Each sleepless night, securing day,
Hand, over my heart.
All wordless thoughts can nothing say,
Hand, over my heart.

You loved ones left, that I'd loved ones see,
Hand, over my heart.
You sacrificed, that I could be,
Hand, over my heart.

How can I name all that you did,
imagine now what you have faced,
my heart of hearts some goodness bid
for all the threats your band erased?

Thank you seems so wretched plain
to honor deeds you'd do again.
To put my hand over my heart
shows The Colors awe to end from start.

Line Count: 20
Branch of Service: Navy
Nationality of Service: United States of America

by Jay O’Toole
on February 28th, 2026