Every Third Man

© 2009 (Jim Sularz) Young men thrust up against a wall, eyes forward, and standing tall. And there we stood, unknowingly, that some would not come back at all. One, Two, Three – Marine. One, Two, Three – Marine. Every third man, like a pawn, took one step forward, one step gone. And there we stood, knowing, that all would go. – welcome to Vietnam. One, Two, Three – Marine. One, Two, Three – Marine. The echoed count grew louder and closer to me. My heart started to race, my muscles started to freeze. One, Two, Three – Marine. One, Two, Three – Marine! Older men face-first against a wall, eyes dimmed, but still standing tall. And here we stand, with distant memories of all. And call out to those etched deep in our hearts – now timeless imprints on The Wall.