A Viet Cross

assisting someone with raising a new flag at the VA

A Viet Cross

My own words stymie my soul
I am draped in red, white & blue memories
Where as a soldier the colors fell from my heart
I hold dearly to this symbol as the wind
Travels me to a boy's dream of country,
Of land, of sea, wild and wide,
An endless victory of freedom.
But as the man returns
Clutching the American flag near
He feels the black loss of POW/MIA mixing in his tears
The boy's sparkle has gone down the streets
of yesterday when a Viet cross laid in his way.

Reviews

[Alfred Kukitz]

Randall!

Again thanks for your kind words. Take care!

Regards,
Al

[Randall Messner]

Great reflection on the time and the war. I had trouble with the POW/MIA acronyms but that could be just me. Maybe drop drop the acronyms and replace them with "The forgotten or The forgotten ones etc. Maybe "He feels the black loss, the forgotten ones, those imprisoned or dead mixing in his tears. Could be I'm messing with perfection. I love your word choices.

[Alfred Kukitz]

Thanks J.K. It's the heaviest water that resides in my soul.

Regards,
Al

[J. K. Beach]

Even as a poet (that as a group can imagine just about anything) I can't imagine the true horrors and sorrows of war. I can see, though, that you left a part of yourself over there... as well as some of the best parts of those brothers in arms that had become part of your heart who did not make it home. The flag you wore proudly over there was not the same flag you came back with and is likely even a different flag that you helped raise at the VA recently. For raising it, no matter your reasons, or the burden, I salute you! A very well written piece, Al!

[Alfred Kukitz]

Good Morning FT!

Ya it was a strange ambiguity helping the security officer with the new flag. Thanks for visiting!

Regards,
Al

[....................]

A sad truth for many soldiers returning from war as they leave large parts of themselves behind with comrades. Nice write Al.