PILGRIMAGE

I come here when I can
To walk and think
And touch the names of friends again
On polished granite walls.
They pervade my memories...
We are joined once more as one.
So many names, so few I knew
Yet they were Bothers all.
The years have slipped away,
Thirty five just yesterday.
And still I hear their laughter
And hear their cries of pain
Echoing across the mall
Calling out my name.
We were Brothers once, and young.
As Brothers we'll remain.

Author’s Note: A few weeks ago I planned was to visit the wall on April 7th, the 35th Anniversary of my return to the States from Viet Nam. Health problems precluded the trip but I wrote this as if I were there.