A Patriot's Dream

Echoes In The Wind

1. A vision comes complete with sensation
2. The sensation of the sun's warmth upon my face
3. The soft cool caress of grass where I sit
4. A cooling breeze flowing over me rustling the leaves who's whisper sets the tone.
5. The soft shuffle of people passing
6. The hushed tones respecting the reverence surrounding the wall
7.  
8. The Wall of black granite guarding its treasure
9. A wealth of some 60,000 precious lives lost
10. Lost in a hated war in a faraway jungle
11. Finally~ some 30 years too late ~ an acceptance of loss and the respect long overdue is received.
12.  
13. Silently I watch, wait, and participate
14. Soft muffled sobs
15. Deep sighs of regret
16. Joyful return visits overriding recognition that the name on the wall is all that is left
17. There is no grave
18. There was no service
19. Just total acceptance of loss.
20. Occasionally a gift is left at the wall
21. An expression of love as fingertips gently caress a loved one's name
22. Each inspire thoughts to form
23. Words to be written
24. Time goes by as the ritual continues.
25.  
26. And then I am We
27. I have been surrounded by love
28. By care
29. By respect
30. An invisible hand presses against my shoulder
31. And suddenly I know.
32.  
33. I am making a difference
34. I am remembering
35. I am visiting 60,000 strangers who still need love
36. Who still need acceptance and respect.
37.  
38. Again my shoulder is squeezed
39. "Thank you for Remembering" echoes quietly in my ear
40. And I am alone again
41.  
42. Peace is found as peace was given
43. Remembering those lost in spite of the cost
44. Bringing them peace
45. Peace from the war torn memories haunting their beings
46.  
47. My mission though far from done is a success
48. Through time
49. Over miles
50. Echoes in the Wind allow
51. The knowledge that I Remember to fulfill our dreams.
52. Dreams to remember and be remembered
53.  
54. 7/3/2005

When you read this ~ please keep in mind that this is a dream of mine.  To find a way to keep the lost alive in some small way.  I have seen the traveling Wall, but someday I will do as I described - visit the Wall, sit off on the side watching writing my impressions down in between my own visits to the Wall .    This was intended to be at least 2 different poems but I decided my initial thoughts were best left together to provide a true sense of my intention.