THE WALL

As I stand before the
Massive black wall and
Read and touch the names
My heart breaks.

For etched upon this wall
Are the Americans
Who gave all so long ago
In a far away jungle.

Young men and women that
When called, answered
When asked, gave
When needed, were there.

In a time when being an American soldier
Was not popular
When running was the trend
You stood proud.

When hot and wet with sweat
With no sleep and little food
You carried out your mission
With a sense of pride.

Then that day when
God said, "Enough my son"
Did you have someone to hold you,
Someone to shed a tear.

Dear soldiers,
I hope, as I see my reflection in this wall
You can look down from heaven and
See some reflection of yourself in me.

For your death was not in vain
You stood proud
You stood as an American
You stood to keep us free.

And as I pass your name on this wall
I offer a little prayer that you will know
That I'm proud to be an American
Because of YOU.