For my good friend, Terry Rizzuti.
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The young soldier held his rifle high
He had been here once before
He cursed the monsoon pouring down
And he cursed the second tour
He was young and naive when he first hit Nam
But he said. "I'll do the very best I can"
And if any good can come out of war
Then it turned this naive boy into a man
He had volunteered when his country called
Countless miles he patrolled on his feet
But there wouldn't be another come back here
'Cause now his second tour it was complete
These Vietnamese soldier's were no ones fools
They would use any tricks to win this war
Dug tunnels to move around unseen
It had been much harder on the second tour
He'd done his best in a thankless war
He'd seen many of his buddies get slain
But now it was someone else's turn
To pick up the pieces and start over again
This soldier he lives with his memories
Of the dear friends he did adore
But there's something he will never forget
And that's the horror of The Second Tour
Soldiers get my undying respect, no matter when or where they served. They don't get to chose their battles. Thank you for honoring your friend and the many others who have answered the call. Dick
An appealing poem, Gerry. It is understated, yet reveals the young soldier's bravery, patriotism and relief at having completed his part in serving. Would he volunteer again if a call was sent forth? We are left to wonder.......
This is excellent!
Connie
This is excellent!
Connie
Sheila