CLOSE TO THE FIRE
The year is Nineteen Sixty Three,
they’re fighting in Vietnam.
I’m standing close to the fire
awaiting my call from Uncle Sam
They’re pulling peoples numbers,
every month we wait to see
who’ll be next to go,
will the number belong to me?
I’m in my first year of college,
seeking a better life,
working on building a home,
a place for my soon-to-be wife.
By Sixty Five we’re married,
still worried about my fate
and though still attending classes,
I’m now working for the State.
She says we’re having a baby,
soon my first son will arrive.
If they call me off to war
how ever will they survive.
Each month they draw more numbers,
it’s called the draft lottery.
If they should pull my number
Vietnam is where I’ll likely be
Some head for the Canadian border,
others possibly to Mexico,
but if my number is called,
to Uncle Sam is where I’ll go.
It’s not about being brave,
though that might be debated,
it’s more about facing obligations,
which are often under rated.
This is MY country
and I find it extremely nice,
but it wouldn’t be that way
had not my forefathers paid the price.
Both my dad and oldest brother
spent time with Uncle Sam
and the lessons they both taught
have made me who I am.
I’ll not volunteer
likely my body won’t pass the tests,
but if my Uncle calls
I’ll offer my very best.
Just as Dad in Forty Four
and brother Ron in Fifty Three
when Uncle Sam calls
I’ll answer to his needs.
Back when Dad was drafted
It was to be “the last world war.”
He had 5 kids and a wife
at the ripe ol age of 34.
When my brother turned 20
they were fighting in Korea
He signed up and told Mom & Dad,
when it’s over I’ll be back to see ya.
Nearly 40 years later,
with another war to be won,
my son joined the army
and learned to carry a gun.
He wanted to go to college,
but it’s 91 and we’re fighting in Iraq.
He enlists in the 4 year program
thinking school could wait til he got back.
With each new generation’s war
Uncle Sam might make that call
and another family member
may be asked to give their all.
Standing close to the fire,
facing the stress and strife,
for each new generation,
seems it’s been our way of life.
Copyright © 2011 Richard Lee King. All Rights Reserved.
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Anna
Donna
Janna
"The history books tell it, they tell it so well"
Your poem hits the high notes
in a life of dedication and sacrifice.
Your family has had to make hard choices,
and they are to be commended for having
done the responsible thing.
I'm grateful for your sacrifices and service!
Blessings,
Christine
Your timely poem, at the end of the war in Iraq, took me back many years to my familys patriotic service through the years. Father, Uncles, Brother, first husband and son-in-law. The last four lines of your poem sum up the entire text, the feelings and sentiments of the families who served. Your poem touched my heart, sending me on a nostalgic journey back in time. This offering definately goes to my favorites list. One of your best, Dick.
Joy L. Hale