|
"The American Soldier," Gary Jacobson's unit, B 2nd of the 7th 1st Air Cavalry attacking at battle of the Ia Drang, one year before he joined it.
|
by Gary Jacobson Why’s an empty chair in the corner? Why’re hearts filled so, with despair? Did once set there a loving father, In that lonely, vacant chair? Father’s gone now, but not forgotten, He bravely answered his country’s call, Gone to fight with brave and true men, Father from yon chair did fall. Oh, how we shall truly, sorely miss him. As overflowing hearts fill his vacant chair. We shall always say prayers for him, While we bid a fond farewell. Perhaps a brother fought with honor... For a country loved so dear Striving right to defend with valor We will miss him many a year. Perhaps a favored son there proudly sitting, Lingering in spirit now, caress him. Forlorn and saddened hearts are crying In his vacant chair, we miss him. Our men left in faith their favorite chair, Spent their life where cruel war rages. Left loved ones in trepidation's despair, Gone to fight the battle of the ages. Oh, how we shall truly, sorely miss him. As overflowing hearts fill his vacant chair. We shall always say prayers for him, While we bid a fond farewell. Many years have passed that we’ve gathered To honor father, brother, son, Our joys now golden cords severed Rivers of tears shed for our blessed one. See his faith now, still fill his vacant chair, Where our fondest hopes, in ruin lie. Sadness sweeps our heartstrings care For he was the apple of our eye. Oh, how we shall truly, sorely miss him. As overflowing hearts fill his vacant chair. We shall always say prayers for him, While we bid a fond farewell. At our hearth so sad and lonely All we have of our beloved one, Sweet memories of our one and only Who gave his all for heart and gun. He left us in the strength of manhood's might, Oh, how he made our bosoms swell. He fought in the thickest, most dangerous fight. That’s how our noble hero fell. Be ye not sad now, nor crestfallen, For his life with courage and honor led. Sleep eternal now our dearly fallen, In your greening, tangled, jungle bed. Oh, how we shall truly, sorely miss him. As overflowing hearts fill his vacant chair. We shall always say prayers for him, While we bid a fond farewell. Just sit with us now for we shall hold him. Mingle with the tears we shed. First in order of angels our manly Seraphim In that lonely, vacant chair. That empty chair tells their story Standing tall for red, white and blue, Of how they earned in battle wreaths of glory, Father, brother, son...Oh how we miss you.
Click the Combat Infantry Badgeto go to my Vietnam Poetry index, each poem with more action graphics and Pictures 
Through pictures go on a combat patrol in "the park" with the 1st Air Cavalry on combat patrol. Experience the chilling reality that will give you the taste of "the Nam" on your tongue, leave the pungent smell of "the Nam" in your nostrils, and imbed textures of "the Nam" in your brain as though you were walking beside me in combat. |
hotmail.com