reflections off black
Theres teddy bears, and high school rings,
& old photographs that mamas bring
That daddies with their young boys, playing ball.
There's combat boots that he used to wear,
When he was sent over there.
There's 50,000 names carved in the wall
There's cigarettes, & theres cans of beer
& notes that say I miss you dear
& children who don't say anything at all.
There's purple hearts and packs of gum
fatherless daughters and fatherless sons
& there's 50,000 names carved in the wall
They come from all across this land
In pickup trucks and mini vans
Searching for a boy from long ago
They scan the wall and find his name
The teardrops fall like pouring rain
& silently they leave a gift and go
There's stars of David & rosary beads
& crucifixion figurines
& flowers of all colors large and small
There's a Boy Scout badge and a merit pin
Little American flags waving in the wind
& there's 50,000 names carved in the wall.
Theres 50,000 names carved in the wall...
......Reflections off black,...
... I sit here this morning with tears streaming down my cheeks,...
...been a long time since I've heard George's tribute, and it's haunting, comforting words share the chill of this crisp morning,...
...I think of my child sleeping curled up under his covers, dreams of toy trucks, and fudgepops swirling around in such an innocent mind...
...I cry not for myself,...
...I cry not for the names on the wall,
...or their fathers, and Mothers,...
...I cry for a lost generation of my Country,...
...I see that picture in my mind of that man crying leaning against the Wall, and feel his wrenching sorrow,...
... Was his from not being there?,...
... maybe he was, or maybe he wasn't in country,...
... but the anguish of being helpless to help is more consuming then death,...
...The first time I went to the traveling Wall, I was overcome by guilt, I went alone, I felt alone until I got close, and then it was like 50,000 arms reached out, and said "it's not your fault, you were just too young" it was overwelming floods of emotinal feelings that could not stay locked inside anymore,...
...They knew, and understood, and their warmth provided strength,...
..."We did it for you was their message",...
...Who ever comes within eyesight of the Wall is embraced by it's collective love,...
...the strength of 50,000 + souls gather to proclaim their sacrifices, and they love me,...
they loved all of us so much that they freely gave their lives without question,...
...I shall forever live with the guilt, but it blows are softened by the calm, and peace of knowing that they love me,...
..."Welcome Home"...
...
__________________
"Let me tell you a story"
..."Have I got a story for you!"
Tom "ANDY" Andrzejczyk
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