S. Kenneth Baril

THE NAME UPON THE WALL

Come a little closer, child,
Stand straight, proud and tall.
Place your tiny fingers
On that name etched upon the wall.

Please don’t shed a tear for me;
I am happy where I rest.
My country called, I answered
I served with all the best.

You have grown up through these years,
But you’re still my little girl.
Your lock of hair still lies here with me,
That beautiful, long, blonde curl.

I see you have small children now,
I hope they never get the call,
To fight for a cause they don’t understand,
And have their names etched upon a wall.

So, my child, although you have grown,
Come closer, stand straight, proud and tall.
Then place your tiny fingers
On your Daddy’s name, etched upon the wall.