The Boys of Del Valle Park

The Boys of Del Valle Park. . , We climbed aboard that huge winged rocket, , and rode it to the sky. , Our minds would soar for hours and hours, , we're never gonna die., With pitch and yaw, dives and rolls, , we'd blast bad guys to heaven. , We'd crash and burn and walk away, , heck, we're only seven., But jets give way to bats and balls, , to hoop and football too. , "We've got great potential," they'd say, , "The rest is up to you.", How quick time travels from innocent days, , of running in the sun. , 'till the day your daddy tells you, , "It's your duty son.", "Be strong, be tough, and be a man," , I'd listen to them say , "but wait a minute everyone, , I thought it was only play.", And so it goes we're back today, , with no mournful song to sing. , That same great jet above us now, , shades us with its wings., Together again but now we rest, , a brass plaque is our home, , but we're not complaining, we're quite , content, to lie here all alone., So moms and dads bring the kids on by , and read a name or two; , remember that these precious children , sure think the world of you., Tell them the truth about us, , don't shirk, don't squirm, don't lie , and tell them that the toys boys play with , could someday make men die., And think of us if not out loud, , but when it's quiet and dark , after all we're your kids you know, , the boys of Del Valle Park., Dennis Lander , Vietnam Veteran