Failure's Shroud

I hope I live a useful life
Which makes my family proud of me.
I marry and love my wife;
I join the Navy; put to sea.

Then comes trouble with my back.
Now its stripped my pride, my strength.
What can weaklings do, save slack?
I'd go, if whole, to any length.

But where to go with no transport?
How will I walk without my legs?
My back gives not the least support
For weakened thighs on rotting pegs.

I hope to claim a life which yet
Will make my family proud!
Too bad I lost: but no regret
Will lift this failure's shroud.