The War Rages On...

He stands straight at attention, silently mute
Hand held sturdy and unwavering at his right brow
So many years ago and so many miles away
His mind has traveled back to that time, away from now.

Racing through the all-too vivid memories of that hell filled year.
Memories of his terrifing arrival and first night
Starless nights and rain-filled days
All endured for his country's long winded fight

Memories of things wished for and things surrendered
Pain filled memories of friends long-ago lost
Lost to the unknown forever, tears falling in the night
Freedom of others fought for at such a cost

Back in the present the salute so perfectly reflected has fallen
His posture, once held erect and perfect, is slumped, a tear sliding down his cheek
A hand brushing gently over the etchings in the oblique black wall
To stop on a name in a gesture so strong yet weak.

The visions of that year, so vivid and clear
A nightmare like a movie playing in his mind
Of things that happened so long ago in time
Where even his fellow countrymen refused to be kind

Government, hatred, and war all be damned,
For all the horrors he faced in Vietnam.