Author's Notes-This poem is based on many visits I have taken with my father to the Vietnam War Memorial, also known as the Vietnam Wall, which is located in Washington, District of Columbia. I have seen many soldiers grieve for dead comrades, and even some of the more emotional veterans will look at the name of a friend and/or loved who saved their lives, call them an "idiot," and then burst into tears.
Isabel Night
"What is loyalty?" They ask
Say the mortals who've gone astray
Is it measured by "taking a bullet?"
Offering a warm shoulder
Or consoling a tear-streamed face
In one country, I've heard
Men stand before a Wall
And those who remember
Close their eyes
Words such as "idiot"
Voiced in sobbing falls
Would you call me a fool?
If that final act were not in vain
Yet love and loyalty are entwined
Much like winter snow and rain
Is not death a celebration?
The passing of this life to the next
Yet my headstone is crowned with Cherry Trees
Confirming that Kannon knows what is best
My white-haired friend, do not weep
There is no reason to be ashamed
If you were a fool
Then so was I
We have dishonored our families' names
So when you stand before my grave
I will stand beside you there
Pick up your heart
Smile one more time
As this soul breezes
Through the all-embracing air
THE END
End Notes-The reference to the name Kannon, is the Japanese form of the name Quan Yin, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassion. You are free to look up more information on her and Buddhism if you would like. I would also like to thank everyone who has looked over my poem for me; it means a great deal that other people are giving me their opinions.