Echoes In The Wind

1. A vision comes complete with sensation...
3. The sun's warmth upon my face
4. The soft cool caress of grass where I sit
5. A cooling breeze flowing over me rustling the leaves
6.  Their whispers setting the tone.
8. The soft shuffle of people passing
9.  Only hushed tones spoken
10. A collective sense of mute
11. Creating a reverence surrounding the wall
12.  
13. The Wall of black granite guards its treasure
14. A wealth of some 60,000 precious lives lost
15. In a hated war in a faraway jungle.
17. Finally~ some 30 years too late ~ an acceptance of loss and the respect long overdue is received.
18.  
19. Silently I watch, wait, and participate
20. Soft muffled sobs
21. Deep sighs of regret mingle with
22. Joyful return visits
23. Each recognize that the name on the wall may be all that is left
25. For some
26. There is no grave
27. There was no service
28. Just carvings upon stone to recognize their life.

1. Occasionally a gift is left at the wall
2. An expression of love as fingertips gently caress an etched name
3. A memento of days past left by a 'brother' who felt the need to visit
4. Each inspire thoughts to form
5. Words to be written
7. Time goes by as the ritual continues.
8.  
9. And then I am We
10. I have been surrounded by love
11. By care
12. By respect
13. An invisible hand presses against my shoulder
14. And suddenly I know.
15.  
16. I am making a difference
17. I am remembering
18. I am visiting 60,000 strangers who still need love
19. Who still need acceptance and respect.
20.  
21. Again my shoulder is squeezed
22. "Thank you for Remembering" echoes quietly in my ear
23. And I am alone again
24.  
25. Peace is found as peace was given
26. Remembering those lost in spite of the cost
27. Bringing them peace
28.  
29. My mission though far from done is a success
30. Through time
31. Over miles
32. Echoes in the Wind bring
33. Cause to remember these fallen.

So please take a moment,
Remember those who have not returned
Honor them
By acknowledging their sacrifice.
Keep them close to your heart
Visit them whenever possible
And pass on their stories of courage
With those you love.

2. Let their love 'Echo' in those who surround you.
4. 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.