On my way down for a grab and go supper
When I saw what I saw
I stopped and stood upright
Wheelchairs
Columns of two outside the elevators
I was breathless and unsure
As if gazing at a heard of mighty beasts
Like that scene in "The Jungle Book"
The old warriors sat waiting for the cars to take them to their rooms
Black hats with pins and patches
World War II
Korea
Vietnam
There aren't many gatherings like this anymore
And there won't be
I thought about lines
And waiting
What lines these men and women have seen
Lines to enlist
Chow lines
Lines for shots (vaccinations)
Mail call
Payday
Lines at Benning, Pearl, and France
San Diego and Saigon
Who knows where else
Now they sit
They've earned it
Into the hotel
Out of the rain
