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VIETNAM POETRY
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VIETNAM POETRY
When the poetry was on our original website, each poem had its own page and a wonderful background picture to go with it. These different backgrounds images on websites have since gone "out of style" but were missed by many people. So, in bringing back the poetry, I have included the original background that appeared with each poem back in 1999. Enjoy!

All poetry on this page is the property of the author, and may not be reprinted or used for any purpose without the written consent of the author.



50,000 Names - George Jones

 
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A Faded Rose

Someone left a white "Teddy" sitting close to me.
He wears a decorated field jacket
            Holding a flag and faded rose.
A baseball is placed between his feet
            A game I loved to play.
Someone left this Teddy close to me.
He seems to be the symbol of innocence
            that once was me.
We were just kids, off to war
Kids we are evermore.
We answered our Country's call
Just Nineteen when I gave my all.
Who is this Teddy, holding a faded rose
Is he one of us - -
A Name upon the wall - -
Who is he - - Is he me?

© I. BUDD NEASE, USNR RETIRED 10-99


A CHRISTMAS PRAYER - 1966

CHRISTMAS EVE USA -
A CHILD'S PRAYER

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take,
God bless you Santa.

CHRISTMAS EVE VIETNAM -
A MARINE'S PRAYER

Now I lay me down and try to sleep,
My Buddy said first watch he'll keep,
And if I wake to dawn's first light,
Thank you Lord - -
I survived another night.
God bless you my Buddy.


© I. BUDD NEASE, USNR RETIRED



Reunion

Machine guns
            You'll hear no more
Or the deafening cannons
            roar.
Choppers overhead
            picking up the wounded
            the dead.
It took years to come here
            But today on crutches
I stand proud and tall.
To again be with you -
            You, who gave your all.
I'm here today
            because of a name
            engraved upon the wall.
With tears and trembling hands
            I trace his name
Upon this precious wall.
For me he gave his all.

© I. BUDD NEASE, USNR RETIRED 10-99


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This site was established 3 September 1999.   Our visitors since September 3, 1999