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The Wall
- A Soul-Numbing Affair |
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Reverently, they come to touch a name they know,
in spring, summer, fall or braving winter snow.
Vowing to remember, our nation's devoted come,
hands-by-the-millions, to connect with the stone.
With a life all their own, the names touch back,
holding open the healing door a needed crack.
From Bethlehem Chapel, awash in golden light,
spill the names of our boys who died in the fight.
The first reader, a Veteran, chin all aquiver, broke
down;
but finished his list on his knees... a brother duty
bound.
A thousand-names-an-hour were tolled into the air
for fifty-six hours... a humbling, soul-numbing affair.
In tears, one Vet, a former medic, sat in a corner and
swore,
"I should have saved more. I should have saved more."
As lips stretched to reach the names of sons we borrowed
then chiseled in granite for our nation's fragile
tomorrow. |
By Nancy L. Meek
Copyright 2007
Listed April 23, 2010 |
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About Author... Nancy is the proud wife of William "Billy" J. Meek, a Vietnam War
Veteran, who served with the 1st Cavalry Airmobile Division, 11th Aviation
Group, 228th Battalion, Co. B.
Nancy's website |
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