THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die

I look over my life, at the brilliance, I have done.
Ideas so bright, as to block out the sun.
I think of the good, and the peace, I might spread.
I think of the small cost, of only fifty-five thousand, dead.
I was told at the time, that it was definitely true.
And I am told right now, that it will work very well too
Told again, and again, by the same deep state few.
Both then, and now, how brilliantly they knew.
So let us send, our young people, off over there.
To a place so crowded, they have their own sons to spare.
But, it’s always felt best, that their kids be spared such fate
We must send ours for theirs, and, let theirs just wait
Sparing them all the deaths, of such a horrible war.
Not risking their own children, to open freedoms door.
Our wish of spreading freedom, as an end so stealth
Not minding our own cost, in blood. and in wealth.
As for me, I could say, however so unkind.
Such cost is too high, and to our own needs, just blind.
Generals, and Politicians, say my words are so cold.
They say my words are not at all brave, my words are not bold.

But before you go far, on that clever thought.
Let me tell you the cost, of the freedom, that idea bought
I think of a friend, a child at best
Not any older than most of the rest
Jimmy Bettis, his name, was then not well known
and today, even after his sacrifice, his fame hasn’t grown
His family not blessed, for having great wealth
His mothers best wishes, that jimmy, be in good health
Losing her only other son, was her earlier fate
Having more sons to love, was for her, too late.
Jimmys death in 68, kept Vietnam on track.
But I cant help but wish, that I just had my friend back.
Jimmys name was well honored, on a wall made of black
But instead I still just wish, I just had Jimmy Bettis back

Jimmy was about my same age, we were only apart, by just a few days
We were also alike, in so many other ways.
In high school Jimmy and I, were at first rivals, then became friends at last
We talked ever so often, of the shadow Vietnam cast
Over our fate, over our lives, over our hopes, and our dreams
We neither could find Nam, on any map, it seams
But agreed we would both serve, if our service was asked
He was called first, I was called last.
divided by months, we both were soon to learn
I found my way home, and jimmy, would never return
The years, then and now, with great insight I still lack.
All I know, is that I’d rather, have Jimmy Bettis back
Jacky

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Dear James,
I may not of known you personally, but I'd like to thank you for your service and what you did to serve our country. You are not forgotten by any of your friends or family and your sacrifice for this country will never go unnoticed. You along with many other soldiers who fought will be honored on this wall as you are. Again thank you for serving our country and may you rest in piece.

DEAR PFC JAMES BETTIS,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A RIFLEMAN. SEMPER FI. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.