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Veterans of Vietnam

Veterans of Vietnam Do you still carry it with you, the rifle of the fight? Are you absolved in your bravery even though you did not die? Do you see worth for what you risked? I could not smell your perspiration as we danced the boogaloo at home. We were all so young; all of us; no chance to think; each in a different reality. And there are those who are forever young prisoners of the mind, of the soul, of the earth framed in heartache by loved ones. © revised May 26, 2012 Kathryn McL. Collins

Copyright © | Year Posted 2012




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Date: 6/30/2012 9:38:00 AM
In this era of immediacy, we see the horrors of war almost as they're happening, but cannot really FEEL them. You display the UNreality of it all... the differences between the pain experienced by the soldier, and the pain of those left behind wondering, worlds apart. A poignant and compelling piece. Love, Keith
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Date: 6/2/2012 2:15:00 PM
I like the questioning and I love the line about perspiration dancing the boogaloo, while the soldiers were away fighting - what a big contrast and so very effective! also, a sad last verse - we are all prisoners of war in some way :( good piece.
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Date: 5/30/2012 5:27:00 PM
I read a book on that war a short time ago and it was so dirty. No one won but so many were killed. I wish we would advance to the point it would not be necessary. Your poem evokes the sadness of it all.
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Date: 5/29/2012 6:39:00 PM
when they don't talk about it. i learned not to talk about it. so i honor without talking about it.
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Date: 5/26/2012 1:44:00 PM
A poignant tribute... I love the way you express yourself, and then the last verse... a wonderful summation! Love, Keith :)
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Date: 5/26/2012 12:37:00 PM
Heavy questions... heavy poem... disturbing... Terry
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John Loving Iii
Date: 5/29/2012 6:39:00 PM
see?

Book: Shattered Sighs