(© 1997) by: Frank Pilson

Vietnam . . .                              

                   ... years in the past

but still in the present,
you were the best of times
you were the worst of times
and we left behind several
unintended gifts and bombs
through you I reexamined my
need [uh desire] for one significant
other to share my life-space with.

You commanded in me an unwilling
reevaluation of self, behavior patterns,
relationships and corresponding
change in my attitudes; ie growth.

I'm nicer to people . . .                              
... I'm more in touch with my feelings,
                     the things and persons around me ... life.