Angel Of The Wall

For years I have tried to gather strength

Yet I could not stand before you for any length 

I'd hurry past your panel, number and row

The closer I got the faster I would go

Afraid to glance, afraid to touch,

for fear the pain would be too much , 

But then my Brother

how could you possibly know?

In time of sorrow in time of grief

when you cannot find relief,

When all seems lost

and you realize the sacrificial cost,

you search and search  yet do not see

 and you wonder why you continue to be.

For in your own eyes you have failed

as the times of your life before you sail,

The soul cries, the spirit wails

Just when you think you are all alone

When there is no way on earth you can touch the stone

Think again my brothers, think again..

Early in the morning hours

I stopped in solitude to lay some flowers,

No one around, 

not a solitary sound,

Just the beat of my heart, 

the tears from my eyes,

The cold black stone echoed my muffled cries,

and then the glow.

 startled I looked up and saw your name

I stood before you without guilt, or shame

I reached, I touched then traced your name

Your face in an instant before me came,

The pain had gone, Peace overwhelmed me

for the first time since Vietnam I felt free.

Then I smelled the fragrance of heavens incense

My crutches fell, My legs no longer bent

 I stood upright, in the dead of night

 In the arms of an Angel, held so tight,

I thought I'd lost it, I thought I'd fall

Then I  Saw Her,

The Angel of the Wall.

Peace My Brother, Peace..

Boondocker 9/04/2001