Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Zippo Lighters

Soldiers sent to Vietnam
Were oftentimes equipped
With Zippo lighters they’d engraved
And in their pockets slipped.

The sayings varied. Some were fun,
Irreverent or wise.
Each reflected feelings
Of those most unlucky guys.

I guess they’d hoped to leave behind
(If they did not return)
A small memento to pass on
To someone of concern.

I saw a whole collection
At a Vietnam display.*
The messages (with fates unknown)
Will in my mind’s eye weigh.

My favorite one (not rated X)
I’ll print in full below.
The owner sounds like someone
That I might have liked to know.

	Fighter by day
	Lover by night
	Drunkard by choice
	Marine by mistake

*at the New York Historical Society

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Pat Adams February 21, 2018 at 6:09 PM I have a couple of days off of my work/sleep schedule so trying to catch up. I love this one Ilene. Very interesting...............pat

Paul Callus February 18, 2018 at 12:38 PM A lovely, interesting and informative poem, Ilene. Going by your favourite one, I bet this is a collection worth seeing. Regards // paul

Jan Allison February 16, 2018 at 5:59 AM What a fascinating poem and i love the final stanza i too would have loved to meet him. But sadly so many of them never returned:-( hugs Jan xx

Anne-Lise Andresen February 16, 2018 at 4:13 AM - They sacrifice everything, Ilene - Well written - Happy weekend - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Andrea Dietrich February 15, 2018 at 7:29 PM Oh, the poor guy. I really like it too. It's very sad that so many of them died for a war that the US leaders were saying was unwinnable. Such a waste! GREAT poem