Vietnam poem

Shades of Gray



I've noticed the permission to thank Vietnam Vets has spread rapidly in my circles.
The recognition has been euphoric. Simple thank you's pierce the layers of callousness.
Now curiosity is creeping in. What was it like? How did you feel? Got any good stories?
Please....don't go there.....

.....Each one had his own hell
The sights, the sounds, the smell
Surreal as it filled your head
Protected thoughts, relentless dread

No two pawns will be the same
No one to praise, no one to blame
Though paths were taken side by side
The pawns returned both far and wide

We mourn our past in different ways
To us it’s usually shades of grays
No right or wrong, or black and white
Different reasons for our fight

Don’t ask us what it is we feel
Your love and hugs will help us heal
Allow us space to search our souls
For it’s that space, where our bell tolls