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At the Wall



I knelt at the wall,
I caressed its face -
A tear my cheek did moisten.

I saw the names,
Oh Lord, so many;
My memories did hasten.

Some I knew.
A young man then,
They as young as well -

But I have aged,
And tho have I,
They are young men still;
They will be young forever:

Trapped in the warp
Of time stood still,
The time of their great endeavor.

'Neath their nation?s glorious flag
Were they carried lifeless home-
To grace her fields for all of time
'Neath heroes simple stones.

Nor sons nor daughters,
Would they love and guide
Nor silver-crowned queen
Would cherish -

But it was for each
And for all of these
That those young men
Did perish.

None, to death did read'ly go
For much of life yet lay ahead -
And men with youths' exub'rant glow
Do not easily join the dead.

And, many long miles
Away from home -
Sweethearts, fam'ly,
Perhaps a wife -

Each of those
And all as well:
Those were they
That gave them life.

And it was for each
And for all of those,
That those young men
Did give their life

As I walk upon
This hallowed ground,
This land that I call home -

I think of all who went through hell,
Who bought this land:
With crimson pools,
And shattered bones.

As I gaze upon that glorious flag,
'Tis their mem'ries and deeds,
I cherish -

For it was for me
And it was for thee,
That those young men
Did perish.