Kernville Veterans Memorial

<br> <center>Dedicated to<br> American Prisoners of War and Missing in Action<br> <b>The Loneliest Prayer</b><br> As I squat here in this lonely place<br> A man maybe even you forgot,<br> I wonder<br> Am I in living hell?<br> Am I alive or not?<br> I think its more than ten years now<br> since my last friend left this place.<br> I guess he’s back home - <br> whatever that is -<br> among the human race.<br> Forgive me, Lord,<br> if I seem untrue<br> to the values of my parents taught,<br> to my thoughts of you,<br> of family and country - <br> those things I fought.<br> But, as I’ve endured the endless days<br> that dragged on into years.<br> I’ve battled with all my very being<br> To hold back bitter tears.<br> My children<br> by now they’re nearly grown.<br> my poor wife &#8211; she’s had that too;<br> she’s raised them all alone.<br> I’ve wept to hold my darlings,<br> To watch my children grow,<br> to feel your presence, Lord,<br> my faith in you too show.<br> Bless me Father, and take this life,<br> please let it end today.<br> I wonder how they listed me -<br> P O W or M I A</center> <br> By Hardy Abbott<br><br> Official Poem of the National Forget-Me-Not Association