The Wall came to my town last year.
I gazed on it without a tear.
How can I meet it stony faced
When cold upon its side are traced
The names of those ne’er more embraced
By kin who held them dear?
The Wall, set up on yonder field,
Stretched east to west, the names revealed,
While dozens came to show respect
With hat in hand and tears unchecked.
The volunteers then helped direct
Those seeking to be healed.
The people wept for men they knew.
The Wall with flowers they bestrew.
The fam’lies, friends, a fellow vet
Convened that week to pay their debt.
Why can’t I weep, with grief beset,
Since I’m a Nam vet too?