For America?

Dad shielded my brother’s eyes from the t.v.
Telling him not to see the bearded man
They shot in the head.

He then turned him and told him to go play,
As Mom’s hands covered her mouth,
the tears beginning to stroll down her face.

She turned to look at Jimmy’s picture on the wall,
Those gleaming stars and exuberant stripes.
My brother, the hero.

The president came on the screen and delivered
His speech. I knew I had to pay attention because
All the kids and teachers at school would talk about it.

Dad turned off the tv and then came the moment of silence.
The three of us staring at the blank tube, as Johnny played
With his army men somewhere in his room.

I can see Jimmy staring into the emptiness.
I can almost hear him say, “This is the reason.
This is why I’m on this wall.”

The silence that will never go away.