50000 Names

There are teddy bears & high school rings

& old photographs that mamas bring

That daddies with their young boys, playing ball.

There's combat boots that he used to wear,

When he was sent over there.

There's 50,000 names carved in the wall

There's cigarettes, & theres cans of beer

& notes that say I miss you dear

& children who don't say anything at all.

There's purple hearts and packs of gum

fatherless daughters and fatherless sons

& there's 50,000 names carved in the wall

They come from all across this land

In pickup trucks and mini vans

Searching for a boy from long ago

They scan the wall and find his name

The teardrops fall like pouring rain

& silently they leave a gift and go

There's stars of David & rosary beads

& crucifixion figurines

& flowers of all colors large and small

There's a Boy Scout badge and a merit pin

Little American flags waving in the wind

& there's 50,000 names carved in the wall.