Viet Nam Vet

© Ben Burton 5/30/2016

"Paw-paw," the young man asked, "how come you never talk about the war
The one Dad told me you fought in, in 1964?"
The gray-haired man replied, through dejection in his eyes
"Some things are better left unsaid, except of those who bled and died
Which war it was should bear no weight, they died fighting for us
My battle scars all lie within, too hurtful to discuss
For many who lost mind and limb were mocked, spit at, and cursed
And made to feel like aliens in this land of their birth
No time before had soldiers fought and come back home to ridicule
Those boys fought just as hard and true as did GIs in World War II
That's why you never hear me speak about those days, my dear grandson
What should have been our glory days were spent in Viet Nam
I might not speak, but I do pray...for every single one"
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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Gupta Avatar
May 30, 2016 at 10:14 PM
This is how things happen...we reap what they struggled for.... had we been people of those time we would have fought too...we live consciously in our present which is built up on the struggledome past which is certainly at work in our subconscious ....this is a very well written poem..
Merryman Avatar
May 30, 2016 at 5:50 PM
Very touching! It's a shame how our Vietnam vets were treated. Inexcusable! If you are a vet, thank you for your service! Love, Kim
Burton Avatar
May 30, 2016 at 6:12 PM
Wow, it's raining "Kims!" Just happens to be my favorite name, as well as the name of one of my nieces. Probably the only name I rarely use in its shortened state. Kimberly just sounds so lovely. Anyway, thank you, dear!
Rodrigues Avatar
May 30, 2016 at 5:40 PM
Great!
Burton Avatar
May 30, 2016 at 6:09 PM
Thank you.
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