There's a man that stalks this island with pride,
He's found in every barracks where recruits abide.
He's a trained professional, with very few peers,
Who's trained Marines for hundreds of years.

He teaches platoons to march with precision,
Obedience from them is his ultimate vision.
His knowledge and training are second to none,
And he can run all day under the blazing sun.

Motivation and pride are examples he sets,
Dedication and loyalty are what he expects.
To most he's a hero, but some not so much,
After years of reflection, it's your heart he's touched.

Year after year, to Parris Island I return,
To work one more platoon, is for what I yearn.
But I look in the mirror and see how I've changed,
Yet the drill instructor today, remains the same.

We are the same, both he and I,
I watch him closely, with a tear in my eye.
Maybe I can still do, the things he does,
That's but a pipe dream I have, from a time that was.

He asks me questions, and I ask them of him,
Mine are of today, his from back then.
Both he and I, our minds are the same,
It's my body over time, is all that's changed.

As I leave Parris Island, for another year,
These recruits are in good hands I have no fear.
When I shook his hand, there was a bond we felt,
For we cherish nothing more, than the hat and that belt.