How many names are on this wall
how many walk this path
how long do the tears last?

Looking up
you examine the engraved names,
grazing them with your fingers
left to right.
You stumble on a name and your hand pauses.
Your hand gives in and drops to your side.
The names go on forever.

Looking up
many in your sight walk this path.
Families
School groups,
Tourist,
Veterans,
present their respect
to fallen soldiers.
The list goes on forever.

I slouch,
hold back,
and keep my tears in.
My feelings are jumbled up in my backpack
like clothes are in a suitcase.
If I keep my head up,
stay strong,
and be courageous.
The tears will stop.
Tears are ok
but moving on is essential to the stopping of the tears.
It’s up to you how long the tears last.