American Heritage Library


The Wall
by Annmarie B. Tait

Have you been to the Wall in the light of the day,
As the sun beams its rays on this maudlin display?
‘Tis a tomb for the dreams and the hopes of the boys,
Who barely were finished with high jinks and toys.

They are children of those who are bearing the scar,
Of the loved ones they lost in the previous war.
They are husbands, and brothers, and fathers and sons,
Who lost all at the point of the enemies gun.

Have you been to the Wall in the dark of the night?
Can you hear voices echo in sorrow and fright?
A father or mother in anguish will cry,
As they deal with the fragments of wondering why.

And all who have fallen in stone are enshrined,
Living on in the memory of those left behind.
What number of battles will have to be won,
To warrant the loss of a brother or son?

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