THE WALL--a Memorial day poem from Jude Kyrie

Memorial day at the wall
by
Jude Kyrie

It is the last Sunday of May in the capital.
I visit here every year on this day.
Wreaths of flowers are abundant
everywhere I look;
The early summer sunshine 
is bright in my eyes.

The wall is long and filled
with the names of the fallen.
I look for the name
of my boyhood friend, Joseph Reilly.
It is always hard to find.
So many names 
so much sadness.

We served together in Nam
a lifetime ago.
I can still hear the explosion
the flash of the landmine.
He gave his life that I might live.
A gift beyond any gratitude.

A shaft of sunlight falls
onto the gold filigree
of the names on the gray wall.
On my white shirt
they reflect like on a screen.
I see his name on me
as though he is reaching to me
I feel him with me 
My lips move to say
I love you, man.

A cloud passes the sun
and his name melts from my shirt
On the wall, it stays forever.

For all who shed a tear this day of remembrance 
Blessings

Jude