Graphics by: Ruby Beloz

Last Words
There he was lying in bed, a once giant of a man
Fading like the roses someone had left on his stand.
The old veteran's sharp eyes were slowly dimming,
Not much longer for him to be judged among the living.
The old soldier's clock was slowly winding down;
He glanced up just then seeing my concerned frown,
This decorated veteran of Korea and Vietnam's fray,
Tonight he knew he was going to have his last say.
'Listen here,' he said,' death just don't scare me,
Was with the First when we drove the enemy from Seoul,
The battles they were hot and the weather it was cold.
I been up Old Baldy and I fought on Pork Chop Hill, see;
I been to the Khe San, and the white sands of Quang Tri.
Where I'm going ain't half as scary as where I've been,
Not like running and duckin' bullets at Long Binh.
Yes, and I've been to the terrible walled city of Hue,
Let me tell you, there, we almost got blown away.
I can honestly say to you we were really put to the test,
If the truth be known I would really welcome some rest.
Listen, Friend, I don't want nor do I need any of your tears,
For I haven't slept a night of peace in nearly forty years.'
Then with that so said the old soldier closed his eyes in final sleep,
And for all of his years of torment, I hung my head and I did weep.
©Faye Sizemore August 10 2002

Graphics by: Doc