Ammonia-vapor memories burn,
anitiseptic wash that
doesn't cleanse
the tortured, retreating souls.

I can still see vacant
haunted, pleading eyes.
Make me numb, so I can't hear
the voices that run and hide.
The angel of darkness, ahh, mercy;
walks flourescent bright corridors.
Darkness is another pain they can't endure.

I can still feel.
Boys they were.
Hometown news raved over Joe's
promising football career.
He could throw that football
like a bomb, 60 yards down the field.
He was severely wounded
by a grenade.
Home town news gave him
a couple of lines in the daily,
the day they brought Joe home
to bury.
Doug still carries a picture
of the senior prom.
When he and Suzie
danced the night away.
He no longer dances.
Charlie took his leg.

dedicated to all those touched by VietNam