D’ye think he’d listen? Na,
Not much:
So I screamed “Wakeup Fool!”
With a cup of grief his way…!
…for there’s no glory to die in
Vietnam; for a country that
Sweeps it soul away!...

And so the fearful fool awoke,
To live another day!...
In this game called face the foe
In the far-off jungles by
The South China Sea.

Part Three

Vietnam: Red Silence

I cannot silence, though I try
The sound of rockets in the sky;
Hurls at us in five-ton trucks:

The odyssey, of staying alive.

Yet, life is still a joy—and all is well…
(As we make earth our little hell).

Lo!
We who hear war’s red silence
(And are still alive to tell)
Lift up your eyes, see heaven,
Get out of the mud, awhile.

In fact, I didn’t mind the horrors of war
For that is what we were there for;
Rather, I hated the mud, rain and grime;
And the shrapnel at times.

Part Four

Vietnam: Heroin-day

And I found in the open jungle

Golden light and golden peace

Dwelling!
A thousand birds were singing!

I forgot, I was here to fight

To fight like a devil if need be.
I was in a fog—day-dreaming;
Kissing wenches amongst the

Glare and the grime, and trees.

I lay my rifle down to bit

To join the other dreamers yet
Dancing on top of a tin-roofed hut;

As if we were all crazy or nuts.

Fighting: was a far, far cry.

I never knew if the enemy was

Nearby!...

Note: #646 5/11/2005

Part Five

Vietnam: Going Home

I’m goin’ home in the

Mawin’ –
I’m glad to have the chance—!

I’m done with fightin’,

‘ad had my fill of …nam!

I’m goin’, home in the

Mawin’ –

I’m glad to have the chance—!

I’ve had my ‘eap of fun
But now it’s over;

And I wouldn’t trade it
To anyone!!

Note: #647

Part Six

Vietnam: Morning Rockets