A web site that shares the emotional and spiritual experiences of the Vietnam War through poetry, stories, and photos by combat veterans.

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I JUST STOPPED TO SAY GOODBYE

Hey guys, can you believe it?

Are you surprised to see me here?

I came to see you yesterday,

But was overcome with fear.

I thought I'd wait and come tonight,

Once the people were all gone.

The words I need to say to you,

I can't say til we're alone.

The other folks can't understand

How my soul is torn apart.

There's so much we need to talk about

I don't know where to start.

Please guys, don't be bitter

That it's taken me so long.

Sometimes my head is such a mess

I can't reason right from wrong;

Like now, this wetness on my cheek,

Don't tell me that its tears.

Everyone knows grown men don't cry.

I haven't wept in years.

I guess it's safe to grieve right now,

There is no one to see but you.

And I know my troubles seem so small

When compared to the ones you knew.
If the truth be known, the reason I've waited

I can't rid myself of shame.
I can see each face in front of me,

But I can't remember your name.

Your features stay etched inside my head

It's your name I can't recall.

So I chose instead to address these words

To each name on this WALL.

For each of you someone does hurt

And your memory forever lives on,

Though your flesh may lie in separate graves

Your spirits live on in stone.

I'm glad we had we were able to have this talk,

Now I'll leave, for I'm starting to cry.

I really didn't plan on staying this long,

I just stopped to say good-bye.
#

Copyright 2002 - Roger Heard
email:
rheard@hotmail.com

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