Arden always wanted to fly
Repeated dreams of soaring the sky
Determination and opportunity did collide
Earnestly, the ROTC cadet took his first ride
Never again confined to the Earth

Becoming a pilot, a soulful rebirth
Off to the Marines to fly fighter jets
On and off Carriers, not movie sets
Not that he minds when I call him 'Tom Cruise'
Each time I do, he'll smile then refuse