A mother comforting a child in a moment of loss . . . this painting
speaks to all of us -- a Vietnam veteran was moved to send
me the following poem.

If you are able, save them a place inside of you and save one
backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no
longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not
have always.

Take what they left and what they taught you with their dying and
keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

from
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell, 1 January 1970 Dak To, Vietnam