Susuin Bay, San Francisco
Photograph ©Coypright November 2002 by Anthony W. Pahl
GHOSTS OF SUSUIN BAY
I watch as the sun rises over the marshes
I watch as you appear slowly out of the morning mists
Ground fog is thick and patchy; giving only a glimpse
shapes in the fog and mist, silent shapes making no sounds
You wait in silent agony for you final end
Old and abandoned, your usefulness gone, you wait
What stories you could tell, what adventures you have had
Your Battle Ribbons and Citations give testament to your past
People pass you by as though you do not exist
Some stop to point and laugh, not knowing your story
How many wars have you fought, how many men did you give
Where were you; were you at Normandy; were you at Iwo Jima?
Where were you, please tell me, I want to know
Where were you; were you on Yankee Station; were you on the Mekong?
How I wish you would talk, tell me your story before it's too late.
I sit and watch you all thru the day, no sounds, and no movements
The sun is setting now and the mists are returning
I watch as you slowly fade into the grey of twilight
How many more days of silent despair must you endure
How many more days until you see your final sunset
How many will remember your deeds of valor and those that you gave
How many will remember?
I will, I will remember you until my dying day.