Poem: Already a Part of the Wall

This poem is for all the many men and women who gave EVERYTHING to the service of their country in the Vietnam War.


Already Part of the Wall

Over 58,000 names and more to recall
All written in the granite of the Vietnam Wall
The names not seen, walking silent shells
Already part of the wall living personal hells.

Brian flew air cav delivering bodies of breath
Picking up silent silhouettes, a Huey of tragic death.
42 years of memories, a mind locked in a replay hall
Still walking among the living, already a part of the wall.

Clifton came back home in the year of 68
Safe away from the Nam but a little too late.
A door gunner issuing fifty cal balls
Still walking among the living, already a part of the wall.

Debra was a nurse, the 85th Evac staged near a battle line.
Piecing together shredded boys, ordered no tearing signs.
In 70 she came home, her mind in constant fall.
Still walking among the living, already a part of the wall.

Johnny was a blueleg, full of life and M-16 power he’d brag.
Two tours and wishing for death all friends sent home in a bag
Now living under a highway bridge, two blocks from the local mall.
Still walking among the living, already a part of the wall.

Over 58,000 names and still counting a faster crawl
All written in the granite of memories known as the Vietnam Wall
The names not seen, minds walking silent in a Nam so small.
Still walking among the living, already a part of the wall.

Written by Terry L Richardson
Copyright © July 18, 2010
Patriot Guard Rider
This poem dedicated to all the brave men and women
Who served in the Vietnam War.