Whispering Wall
The marble is darkened, but the names are clear;
Listen to the whispers and you’ll feel the fear.
It is quiet now; they’ve all gone to rest;
There may be some brighter, but these are the best.
Suddenly there’s life; there’s movement again;
No smiles, no laughter, only quiet men.
When you look at the names, you see your face;
And the words disappear without even a trace.
The black voices reach for you, but you turn away.
You’re here, you’re now, but where are they?
“Tell me why” here; “Tell me how” there;
The confusion of silence fills the air.
As we move by with reverence, and a tear in our eye;
We wonder aloud why these had to die.
Now they are quiet, not a sound do you hear;
Just unknown names on a marble veneer.
Their skin isn’t wrinkled, and their hair’s never gray;
But they show their age in a much different way.
Although we don’t know them, they belong to us all;
Every last name carved on the wall.
When you’re too old to fight, and you no longer ask “why”;
You just rattle your saber, and send the young off to die.
We said we sent them because of our love for the flag;
That love seemed elusive when they zipped up the bag.
We did it once, but don’t do it again;
Don’t tarnish the deeds of these brave young men.
Don’t tell them they'll die for a noble cause;
Tell them the truth, and let them give pause.
Listen to the whispers; hear the pain;
Don’t give up your sons for a foolhardy gain.
And if you are tempted to pull out your sword;
Remember these men and their empty reward.
Dave Rickert
Memorial Day, 2000
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The Whispering Wind
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Comments
rated with love
rated with hugs
a brass horn blowing slow.
A young woman in a uniform
sings the whispering wall
as our flag waves in the wind.
♥R
Lezlie
R
And when you/me search the black marble wall for someone we knew, and loved ...
When we look at the Vietnam War Memorial we see our own reflection,
and we see.
Our image.
`
This post honors those who went 'down' and went-off somewhere (and in immaterial)`
Spirit disembodied`
essence (soul) form`
on and on ... 'In `Nam`
`
We'd stay sane and say`
`
And it don't mean nothin'
and it is a combat riddle.
Comradeship. Brothers.
`
sigh
thanks
take care
Your moving, heartfelt poem gives me pause again. Thank you, Dave.
Lest we forget ....
Lest we forget ....
Thanks Dave. There is no good wars. ever. Only the ones left to pick up the pieces of their souls...
R