BLACK GRANITE

In a courtyard stands a memorial
Black Granite is its name
Honoring 412 Viet Nam Veterans
Who never came home again.

It's a quiet sort of courtyard
I visit it now and then
A place for healing and remembrance
Vowing never to forget these men.

The names in alphabetical order
Are etched in the granite deep
I run my fingers over them
Sleep in silence sleep.

Flags are blowing in the wind
One for each in rhythm dance
The music that they're making
Is the requiem of chance.

©Copyright 2003 Janet Rattay

The Black Granite Viet Nam War Memorial was dedicated May 25, 2002 in the downtown section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Much of the effort and material in the memorial was donated. The peak of the memorial's black steel triangle, which represents the region's rivers, stands 13 feet high to reflect the 13 original colonies. The number "4" is engraved above what is a crying rose. Its stem leads to a "00," recalling the symbol for infinity. The number "l" sits atop the number "2," intended to bring to mind the idea that one life lost is too many.