Vietnam War Memorial 

Their lives were all cut tragically short, by a bullet or a bomb,

Oh so many years ago, in a place called Vietnam.

A hot and nasty jungle war, many sent there against their will,

“One year and a wake up” was a draftee’s bill to fill.

The battle plan was simple; fight back the great red scare,

The commies will be at our door, if we don’t stop them there.

Scorch the earth, destroy that village, don’t leave anyone alive,

Bomb the place to kingdom come so America can survive.

Many would have been teachers, doctors and lawyers too,

Each one had the spark of life, with dreams like me and you.

But when a bullet found its mark, their lives brought to an end,

Sent home in a plain pine box, only families would attend.

Some came home in pieces, others looked quite unscathed,

Suffering from the horrors of war, their psyche can’t be saved.

Today they lead a shallow life; their spark seems to be dim,

Part of them left far behind, in a jungle damp and grim.

The Vietnam Memorial stands tall today, a dark and silent reminder,

To honor those brave men and women, who died in that meat grinder.

Leaning against the wall in tears, where his buddy’s name is engraved,

A Vet whispers quietly, “Miss ya man.”  A warrior’s love displayed.

--Ken Ferguson--
Artista di Parole
11-29-2015