The 70s

THE 70s My most memorable time of the 70s Were from April 4th in seventy To April 4th in seventy one A year spent in Vietnam I went to serve our country So our freedom would ever stand Some of the sights still haunt me I witnessed death at every hand I am not to be pitied Nor heralded as a hero at all I just want to be remembered As a man who met his call Because of me and others Our flag still boldly waves But I have countless brothers Lying forgotten in their graves Yes, I recall the seventies They were really fruitful years But for many who lost a loved one The seventies were filled with tears For the contest sponsored by Line Gauthier

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Maureen Mcgreavy

Date: 3/18/2018 9:47:00 PM

Powerful ink Curtis. Respect. A moving and important poem. And of course, congratulations on your win!

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/19/2018 4:58:00 AM

Thank you, Mo! Your sincere comments are always a welcome sight. I appreciate your support.

Robert L. Hinshaw

Date: 3/14/2018 7:21:00 PM

Congrats on your No 1 win! You are on a roll - keep on writin'! As you note, I haven't been too active on soup lately but now and then the lite bulb will flash and I get an idea or two. Bob

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/14/2018 11:27:00 PM

Thank you, Bob! It's so very good to hear from you. I know I have missed you on Soup but I know your reasons as well. I will do as Viv Wigley said --- write until my soul runs out of ink.

Viv Wigley

Date: 3/11/2018 1:36:00 AM

A strong write, Curtis, of terrible things that are beyond my imagination. We should not forget those who came back, those who didn't and the missing. Write until your soul runs out of ink. Congrats on a fine win, Curtis. Regards, Viv

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/11/2018 12:25:00 PM

Thanks, Viv! These happenings can only be imagined unless one was actively involved. Be glad you can only imagine. You are absolutely that we are not to forget those who came back, those who didn't and the missing. I said I would never write a book about it, but I may change my mind.

Carrie Richards

Date: 3/10/2018 6:32:00 PM

An amazing poem of a difficult time in your life, Curtis. I don't know how anyone could forget such horror ...but I do hope sharing and writing has helped heal some of the heartache. My youngest cousin lost his life during these years just as you lost those you remember and wrote about so eloquently .

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/10/2018 8:19:00 PM

(Continued from below) I know that sounds unbelievable but their names are ON THE WALL. I had the great honor to help sponsor the moving wall which remained at our VA Medical Center for three days. Viewing their names was painful yet somehow healing. They gave all and deserve to have it known. My condolences on the loss of your cousin. Thank you for caring and sharing. God Bless you!

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/10/2018 7:52:00 PM

Carrie, thank you so much for your kind, consoling, comforting words. Yes, it was a trying time --- for America and for we Vietnam Vets who suffered the atrocities we did at the hands of the people back home. These percentages are staggering, but out of a high school graduating class of only 36 people, I lost 3 classmates.

Eve Roper

Date: 3/10/2018 2:06:00 PM

Congratulation on your win! Hugs Eve ~`*

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/10/2018 2:56:00 PM

Thank you, Eve. A poem of this nature is difficult to write for two reasons --- it brings back haunting memories of how Vietnam Vets were treated when they would return home, and the remorse and shame and the blight the actions of Americans caused by their actions. I found it in myself to forgive that, but the memories remain. I appreciate your friendship and I'm glad you are one of my supporters.

Jan Terry

Date: 3/10/2018 10:54:00 AM

The Vietnam war is a most vivid memory of the Seventies. I remember the fighting and casualties shown nightly on the news. I wondered how our young men could face such carnage and then come home to an ungrateful nation. Those that didn't come home were our family, brothers in arms, classmates, friends, and neighbors. That war took such a tole, we all knew someone affected. Thank you for your service my fellow vet. Hugs and congrats on your win in Line's contest, Curtis. Janece

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/10/2018 8:14:00 PM

Janece, I appreciate your kindness and understanding, and to learn that you are a fellow vet. Ours was a different war --- we fought over there and then had to fight an emotional, mental war on American soil. God Bless you for caring.

Line Gauthier

Date: 3/10/2018 9:43:00 AM

Thanks for entering this very worthy, modest and moving poem in my contest. Congrats on your well deserved win, Curtis.

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/10/2018 8:10:00 PM

Thank you, Line, for sponsoring this contest. It gave me an opportunity to express feelings I don't often get to express. I am honored to have served my country and to have won such honors in your contest. God Bless you!

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/10/2018 9:02:00 AM

Congratulations Curtis, well deserved win. Tom

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/10/2018 8:08:00 PM

(Continued from below) We fought over there and at home. The war at home was a mental, emotional war that has remained in the lives of many Vietnam Vets. I worked for 23 years at the local VA Medical Center after I retired from the Air Force. I saw, on a daily basis, men who in their mind were still in Vietnam. They came home physically but they will never really come home at all. I could write a book, but I won't. It would be unbelievable. Thank you for caring and understanding.

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/10/2018 8:02:00 PM

Thank you, Tom. I appreciate your support. I am pleased to have won the contest but moreover, to get such great response from my fellow poets. Many Americans are unaware of the plight of the Vietnam Vet. I don't want to diminish the honor and courage of Vets in subsequent wars, but the fact is, ours was different

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/1/2018 1:35:00 AM

A time you'll never forget Curtis. Brilliantly done. Good luck in the contest. Tom

Curtis Moorman
Date: 3/1/2018 3:27:00 AM

Thank you so kindly Tom. It is with great hope that all who read this understand it is written with pride, not anger, sadness, not hatred, and loyalty, not disdain. I not only served my country, I served my God as well. I appreciate your support.