A Poem From A Vietnam Veteran

Died August 10th, 2013

I attended a full military funeral for my Uncle today.  He lived his last years without a leg, money and a companion. He was angry, bitter and so very sad and alone. My cousin read this poem during the service. It was heart breaking. It had been written by my Uncle to his Father while in Vietnam.

I got a copy of the letter and his penmanship was exquisite. Can you imagine in that state of mind to have such beautiful handwriting?

When the gun’s fired the memorial salute, I could hear the blasts that must have kept on exploding in his ears after returning from war.

God Bless You Uncle William and your beautiful words that should never be forgotten.

 

April 25, 1968

“Living and Dying”

Take a man and put him alone.

Put him thousands of miles away from home,

Empty his heart of all but blood,

Make him live and sweat in mud,

This is the life that I must live,

And why my soul to the devil I give,

And you “Peace Boys” pent from your easy chairs,

For you don’t know what it’s like over here,

You have your fun without near trying,

While over here the men are dying,

You use your drugs and have your fun,

And then refuse to use your gun,

You burn your draft cards and march at dawn,

You plant your flags on the White House lawn,

There’s nothing else for you to do,

And I’m suppose to die for you,

I’ll hate you till the day I die,

You made me hear my buddy cry

I saw his arm a bloody shred,

I heard them say “this one’s dead.”

It’s a large price he had to pay,

Not to live another day,

He had the guts to fight and die,

He paid the price, but what did he buy?

He bought your life by giving his,

But who gives a dam what a soldier gives?