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