I walk the rows of the garden
Whispering voices the only sound
Passing by the stark white blooms
Rising from the hallowed ground
And I gaze upon all the blossoms
Row upon row to infinity unknown
Fingers lightly touch this newest bloom
Here in the garden, garden of stone
Each bloom marking lives young and old
Lives that eventually have stilled
Some blooms have seen many an age
Some are as fresh this grave just tilled
A flag waves softly in the wind
Today at half-mast flown
Standing for the one who no longer can
Here in the garden, garden of stone
Scattered about these many blooms
Are others who are here like me
Honoring their own seeds fallen
Into these blooms for eternity
Hand slanted to brow, we are all together
Hand held over heart, yet each all alone
In laughter and tears and memories
Here in the garden, garden of stone
For they are children far too short
To appreciate their own youth
Their spirits grow old far too fast
To live and die with that cold truth
Thus mourning comes, as sure as dawn
In the 21 guns of honor shone
For we who are left behind still grieve
Here in the garden, garden of stone
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Raivenne-lations 
This immediately made me think of the Vietnam War, and how it was not worth even one American life.
I’m pretty sure the Vietnamese aren’t particularly trilled with their losses either.
def made me think pearl jam as well…just saying…but it is so humbling walking arlington….stilling & stirring…
Ah Pearl Jam, thanks for the reminder, I have not heard that in quite a while. I have not had the honor of visiting Arlington, several people I know who have visited also described it as humbling.
Thanks.
Dramatic and moving, and certainly worth remembering as we approach November 11th.
It was Veterans Day I had in mind when I started writing, though I admit this end result is better suited fro Memorial Day, Thanks Steve.
Beautifully written. So many wars so many lives lost, WHY?
Regrettably, that is one “why?” that is no way near having an answer.
Thanks Tigerbrite.
really wonderful description here. an outstanding piece. Thanks
Thank you Hob!
far too many gardens of stone…beautifully expressed…thanks
Far too many indeed, thank you Nilanjana.
thanks for hosting over at dVerse today…now can’t wait until your than bauk is up…smiles
Thanks Claudia, it’s a pleasure.