Tonkin Gulf, Viet Nam 1972
Three black haired teenage boys running
Three black haired teenage boys running
As if they were dancing a box across
the sand.
Boom! and Screams! and a Puff of smoke.
One boy in green pants
Jumps up and runs alone.
Jumps up and runs alone.
Boom! No scream, just a Puff of sand
And a lump of green bloody pants.
STOP! I scream
To no avail.
STOP! I scream
To no avail.
Tonight
I feel her soft hair dance against my face
I feel her soft hair dance against my face
As she wipes my
tears with her finger,
“You are not a warring sailor
anymore.
You are the peace maker. Remember.
They called you a peacenick."
So, be at peace, now.
Step out, one foot at a time.
Move to the music in your heart.
Dance peace back into your life.
