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...