THE DRILL AT THE WALL
~~~~~~~~
It's Veterans Day in Washington, D.C. and I'm standing at The Wall,
I just had to come today to be here with you all,
We fought together in Vietnam and you died in my place,
So, I've come today to honor you, with grief that I can't erase.
As I look into the shining granite, I see my image there,
And as I watch my body move, it all seems so unfair,
Why is it you're not standing here, why did you have to go,
I'll always be indebted to you, a debt I'll always owe.
Some of you died in an instant, others in agony and pain,
But, I couldn't stop the suffering and that's driving me insane,
I'm sorry you gave your life for me and I'm here safe at home,
Yet, your memory lies deep in my heart, wherever I may roam.
Our flag looks so filled with pride as it waves there in the wind,
And in every star upon it lies a state you died to defend,
To me the stripes there on the flag shows pain you had to bear,
But, you died for her and she is free, that's why your names are there.
As I kneel before you, the sound of taps fill the air,
And a hand lifts my head just before I end my prayer,
I look up to the sky and I know that Heaven is real,
You all are marching on streets of gold and God leads the drill.
~~~~~~~~
Poem by: Judith Hartley
Copyright: Judith Hartley
E-mail :
Link to Judith Hartley's web site on Links Page