The Quest : R. Preston and A. Pahl

“Odyssey”, by my dear and close friend, Richard “Boondocker” Preston, dared me to respond. Boon has not made the pilgrimage to The Wall in Washington DC, but I have ~ though Boon lives only 2½ hours away and I live in Australia. We have made plans to visit together in December 2001 when my wife, Maria, and I are in the States. Boon admits his apprehension and has expressed it clearly in his poem. My response is an attempt to calm his fear and still his apprehension.

Boon’s quest is to visit The Wall, and mine is to be with him, hence the title, “The Quest”

The Wall - Rubbings : Bushranger's Revetment - Poetry and Stories by Vietnam Veteran, Anthony W. (Bushranger) Pahl and friends

ODYSSEY

The Wall can never be taken;
it’s too powerful to overcome.
No matter how hard I try to fight,
it’s a fight that can’t be won.

I’ve tried to take the Wall alone;
but have turned back every time.
I’ve braced myself and cleared my mind
but always walked away in pain.

For so many years I’ve wanted to go
to where their names are etched;
but when I approach the Granite stone
I feel so unworthy among the best.

Some day the strength I need may come,
but I’ve seen the strong in tears.
They fought The Wall, fought long and hard
overcoming guilt after many years

I long to touch the names engraved;
see the reflection of my youth.
I feel the need to face The Wall
but I’m afraid to face the truth.

How many Vets feel the way I do,
that their survival was a mistake?
How many have turned and walked away
from The Wall they cannot take?

One day soon I’ll try again
to take the Wall that can’t be taken.
One day soon I will embrace the Wall;
but how do I keep my heart from breaking?

So many names, I’ve known a few,
mean all the world to me.
Brothers one and Brothers all
gathered for all the world to see.

Lord, give me strength to take The Wall
before my life has passed;
To stand among the brave and strong;
to put my guilt to rest at last.

©Richard D. Preston
November 21, 2000

ODYSSEY GAINED

The Wall is like an Oak tree,
solid, stout and very alive.
Once planted it became a symbol
towards which we all should strive.
It stands through all the seasons,
Winter, Summer Spring and Fall
and the life within its solidness
reminds us of the life within us all.

The Wall cannot be taken,
no matter how we try.
For the Wall is like that Oak Tree,
only neglect will make it die.
And if we approach that granite
with the view to overwhelm,
the solidness of its honesty
will reject us and repel.

With reverence and with awe,
with hope and with some fear,
The Wall is there for us to touch
and to soak up every tear.
It is not there to be defeated,
or to be overcome;
it is there to show and teach us
the truth that we have won.

Page created: Wednesday, 18 April 2001