It is springtime in the capital.
I visit here every year on this day.
it was the day he died
so long ago
so very long ago.
in a war no one remembers.
Cherry blossoms are abundant
everywhere I look
warm spring sunshine is glowing.
The wall is long and filled
with the uncountable
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
I 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 wall.
On my white shirt they reflect
like on a screen.
I see his name on me
as though he is reaching to me
to say I love you man.
I whisper not as much
as I love You Joe.

A cloud passes the sun
and his name melts
from my white shirt
On the granite wall it stays