This is my first time humping the mountains of the Vietnam Central Highlands.

I’m tired beyond belief – can’t keep up – keep falling back – I’m almost to the end of the company.

It is so terribly hot - my back aches from the weight of my pack  - all these vines and sticker things are pulling at me keeping me from moving forward.

My face and arms are bleeding from scratches and my stomach aches and I feel sick.

Why did I volunteer for this?

They are looking at me, doubting I can make it – I don’t think I can – wonder if anyone cares.

I don’t know what is going on around me - all I can do is look at the ground before me and try to move one foot in front of the other.

© 5/25/05 Charles Schwiderski