The “Doc” always wondered
if he did his best
to help his fellow Marines
as they fought to resist.

The NVA were determined
to kill them all,
only succeeded in
putting four names on the Wall.

The rest went on
to fight many more battles
before being “welcomed home”
only to be treated like cattle.

Their days are OK
for they can see the light.
What haunts them most
is the dark of night.

Their time is running out;
this they sense all too well.
Many of their “stories”
they’ve yet to tell.

If nothing else,
thank them for their service,
but don’t do or say anything
that will make them nervous.

I’m not out of words,
just out of feelings.
Compassion has left me
along with the promise of healing.