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May 13, 2005 I had went to Vietnam at the age of 23 [1971], and it was most interesting, there were 205,000 troops there when I arrived. I was asked recently at a lecture [question and answer] at a University in Peru, Huancayo, at the Los Andes, Language Center, how I liked it. Most of the students expected me to be down right rigid with my remarks, I think. But the first thing that came to mind was, '...war is a high," and so I expressed that to the students, they were a ting surprised. And so in this poem I try to outline a few of the more normal occurrences, and include the highs one may find in everyday soldiering in a war area: Part One Vietnam: Guard Duty at Dusk … I paced along the wired fence Quietly all night; There was no stars, no moon Just timid darkness for my light… I glanced from tree to tree I glanced from bust to bush I saw a shadow moving That never said a word: “Halt, who goes there?” I cried. But he Never heard me, I wondered why (?) Oh, I called him several times, As I walked the path alone; And I watched and watched—but Never saw the foliage move. I ordered him against the fence The sorry skies were dark like flint; He heard the click from my rifle go And cried like a morbid child. O, I had no time to tarry—. So I said, once and for all: “Clasp your hands against the fence, Or they’ll find you dead tomorrow!” I dreamed about that evil night Now crowded with the dead; War is not all love and laughter —he never clasped his hands! Part Two Vietnam: The Frightful Fool (Dedicated to the Los Andes Students) “This is not a game,” I said And he quivered his looks away; All the schooling he has in his head, Will do for another day…. “Run and hide,” I cried; The rockets whistle, isn’t for school. 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!... 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’ – and that’s a fact. I’ve had my ‘eap of fun But now it’s over and done; And I wouldn’t trade it To anyone!! ------------ About the author: Mr. Siluk is a world traveler, a lover of the mysteries around the world, and has visit many World Heritage Sites, his most recent being Easter Island, the Galapagos and Mesa Verde. His books can be seen on/at Barns and Noble.com, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, Abe.com Alibis, Boarders and several other sites and book stores. Many of his books can be purchased through the English Bookdealers. He spends his time between Lima, Peru and St. Paul, Minnesota, and has just finished working on two new books: "The Macabre Poems,” and “Perhaps it’s Love,” and continues to work on "Curse of the Abyss Worm,” a suspenseful mystery, and “Cold Kindness,” a tragic love affair. Visit http://dennissiluk.tripod.com Email: dlsiluk@msn.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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