by

Robert H. Dirr Jr.

"Absolutely the asshole of the civilized world as we know it,"
Tommy used to say as we sloshed along the stench of paddies,
Took walks down jungle paths and cut through elephant grass
With leaves so sharp they could cut flesh like a straight razor
On a chin when you don't have the luxury of shaving cream.

"I wanted to stay in college but my parents couldn't afford it,
And Dad said that he did his time and Grandpa did his time so
Why should it be any different for me," and I laughed in his face.
Then I asked him what the hell was the purpose of him going to
Vietnam and he reminded me of the Domino Theory and wept.

Yesterday, Tommy escaped the fat leeches that were doing laps
Around the dung-filled water of a rice paddy near Khe Sanh,
Because he was afraid of being their next four-course meal.
He was walking along on a nice dry dike when he got blown up,
And I wondered if he had finally perceived his own purpose.

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