22 Jul 2001
"Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if
they have ever made a difference in the world, but
the Marines don't have that problem."
-- Ronald Reagan --
19 Feb 2006
This poem was written by a close high school friend of Corporal Shawn who wished for it to be included in his memorial.
I bought a book today
To see if your name was there.
I turned each page with tender care
Hesitated then began to stare.
Far Too Long
The Wall shines in blackness, cold and bleak,
Silently screaming name after name, after name.
As hands and hearts reach out to grasp
They try to heal the open wounds
Of what is left of the memories
On a black stone Wall, tall and long.
Much too Long
Blurred reflections look back at us.
Are those eyes of the watchers?
Or the watched?
Slowly I searched, not wanting to find
Your name among the others.
This represents a black time, long past,
Yet, still present.
Far Too Long
With every thought of you
I hope you are still alive
And that your name is not there.
As I turn page after page
I think of all the broken hearts
And dreams.
Far Too Long
I want to think if your name is not there
It would mean you are still alive.
Yet, when I realize what that could mean
I simply pray you have been freed
In either life...or death.
Although I found your name
In Black and white upon the page,
I still prefer to wait for you
And pray for you each day.
Until your return, I will keep you safe,
And with me, as I have always done.
Far Too Long.
- Linda D. Ainsworth Sherley -
From his brother,
Greg Keller
ggkeller@swbell.net
