World of War Vietnam

My long time friend Bill enlisted in 1962
Back then he said, "It's the right thing to do!"
He served his country with vigor and pride 
Fought in the jungle and watched his friend die
 

A machine gun severed three fourths of Bill's leg
He cut off the remainder though never begged
as the enemy stood over him, machetes in hand
Bill's company blew Vietcong all over that land.
 

He was then sent home, wheelchair bound 
but Bill O Hara you just couldn't keep down
He opened a law office, put his "smarts" to the test    
And that damn machine gun stayed screwed to his desk 

 
His favorite passion was to set sail to sea
Forgetting his problems for there he was free    
40 years  passed since he  left Vietnam
and no matter the day, he still hears that bomb!

                                  ***

Contest: World of War : Vietnam
Sponsor: Miranda Lambert
Submitted by: Judy Konos
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Fraser Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 5:30 AM
Many congratulations Judy on your win in Miranda's fine contest, Happy Easter....:)
Freeman Avatar
April 22, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Great to see you in the winner's circle Judy. Congratulations on your worthy poem's success. Agape, Moses
Mehta Avatar
April 22, 2011 at 4:59 AM
Congratulations on the HM win in the contest, Judy
Haick Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 4:00 PM
Congratulations on the HM, Judy. Exceptional piece on the war in Vietnam. Happy Easter to you. Love, Annalise
Brown Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Congratulations on your win in the contest Judy. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 8:26 AM
Congrats Judy on your HM in Miranda's contest with this exceptional entry on the Vietnam War my friend.. moving and touching and enjoy your special honor with luv..
Johnson Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 5:41 AM
I don't mean to be simple but this POEM ROCKED! (: one of the best I've read on the contest.
 Avatar
April 17, 2011 at 6:31 AM
Hi Judy, Another insight into what those poor fellows went through. A very touching poem. Cheers, N:)
Brown Avatar
April 15, 2011 at 12:43 PM
I enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry this afternoon Judy. Have a great weekend and I hope you find lots of inspiration along the way. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
April 14, 2011 at 7:35 PM
Judy, I'm glad Bill made it home from Vietnam and was able to build a career as a lawyer. Being at sea can bring a great deal of serenity and it's something he can enjoy without the use of his legs. But if he's still hearing the bomb, he might have a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. This reads like a true event and I'm sure it'll do very well in the contest. Love, Carolyn
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