Letting Go

An old man stands as straight as time allows,

tears form and follow the deep lines in his face…..

and he lets it go.

His reflection shimmers in the black stone behind the names

of those he has known as a bugle plays its mournful tones….

and he lets it go.

The flag snaps in the wind, a symbol of those who died

and those who came home again, hurt, angry and alone,

abandoned by those who should have known what it takes to be free and he lets it go.

Turning, he walks slowly away,

weeping for what had to be….

an old man, much like you, much like me.

Poem by 16 year old high school student whose cousin is a Vietnam Veteran