Are you a veteran?

Question

The jungles were our killing fields,
Where brave men fought and died.
A place where many men were killed,
And also where they cried.

The minds of those who may soon die,
Have thoughts that some think rash.
Their thinking turns to silly things,
Like what's good for their rash.

The sounds of battle fills their ears,
The rockets flying free.
The shooting makes a rhythmic beat,
Sometimes like poetry.

At times a song can be made out.
Among the shooting's roar.
It makes you want to shoot again.
So you can hear some more.

And then as soon as it had come,
The rhythm is soon gone.
You realize you're in a war,
Not on the backyard lawn.

So keep in mind, those who have gone,
To fight in other lands.
It's not a glory trip they're on,
It's gore that's on their hands.

My thanks go out to all the men,
Who went to war with me.
We fought, some died, we did it all,
To help make someone free.

My thanks go out to all the men,
Who went to war with me.
We fought, some died, we did it all,
To help make someone free.

My thanks goes also to the ones,
Who fought wars and still do.
Please take the friendship in my hand,
And let me salute you.

Dragonflyy: yessum, Vietnam 1968.

Answer 1

Tet My Lai Duc Bo

yellow or white
in the night
or black
doesn’t matter
to the chatter-
ing machine guns
in the black
of the night
yellow or white


Yep, I'm a veteran. I THOUGHT I was fighting for freedom, but I was wrong. And it pains me to see it all happening again for nothing more than a pair of cowards' political careers and their stock portfolios.

And yep, I salute my fellow Vets, especially the ones who really fought for freedom. I salute the veteran for his sacrifice and courage and will. I do not salute them for their wisdom. Boys being led to the slaughter by men who so objectify life that the slaughter of innocents becomes "collateral damage" are not wise.

Answer 2

That is such an awesome poem, but I agree that rash and rash probably shouldn't be used for rhyming. No, I'm not a veteran, but my Dad, Grandfather (Both) and my paternal Grandmother were all vets. The doctors say my Dad got his brains scrambled in Vietnam, and that was what caused him to do some of the terrible things he did before passing away.
I'm glad you are such a kind loving person and the experience hasn't altered your mind as it did for so many. Thank you and all the others for serving, and doing your part, as well as that of us who haven't served. I love you all, and I truly mean that. In the words of my Grandad, "Live Large".

Answer 3

hmmm,, did you really ever fight??!! if you did, i applaud you!! one suggestion for your otherwise perfect poem,,
in stanza two, you said:
The minds of those who may soon die,
Have thoughts that some think rash.
Their thinking turns to silly things,
Like what's good for their rash.
my suggestion is that you don't use rash twice,, it just doesn't seem to workk,, xoxo terrific job otherwise!!

Answer 4

Yes, I'm a vet, US Navy. Nice piece.

Answer 5

yes, thank you...