He was Sitting on the Fence

by Gary Jacobson He was just an ordinary peasant man Farming a small plot in Vietnam Just sitting comfortably on the fence Deep in the heart of jungle dense Simply trying to scratch out a living In a land so hard and unforgiving. Americans and the Vietnam Army held the day When night fell, VC coming round made him pay. He thought it unwise to pick a side, us or them He bided...till we brought the war home to him On the day we killed his wife, his son, His love, his one and only one. His house we fire-bombed His livestock scattered Slaughtered Napalmed Mid great hue and shout We burned his neighbors out. Too bad! So sad! His light of life destroyed, stolen before his eyes Killed forever that which caused the sun to rise That began his mourning cries... As "the world" for him slowly dies... "So sad! Too bad! I say old man...it's your fault anyway... Just in the wrong place at the wrong time Collatteral damage the name of that rhyme Living in the killing zone, Beside dirty, no good, communist slime... You knew it was just a matter of time." "You know, you have to break a few eggs To get to those VC dregs Justice must be done! When you live under the gun! Glad we could give you a hand... Our freedom's blessing...surely you understand." "If you like, we can... Set you up on a new piece of land Soon’s we cover that Mekong swamp with sand You can... Join a re-development community we’ve planned You can... Be happy there in our revolutionary band. You will... Only have to attend a few indoctrinations If you will... Assure us of no lousy commie affiliations Prove to us... No clandestine obligations Trust us... We’ll give you a card so you can be free American made liberty will give you amnesty. Too bad! So sad! So sorry about your son, Why did he have to run? Your animals, your farm... We had no choice but to do you harm You were just in the way, you see We really thought you were VC. We really didn't mean to do it, he was told By forces bringing fire and destruction bold So papasan, cease your wailing whine Because on our side lies justice fine Without prejudice... See how hard we work to get your compliance? With arms open wide we care for you Now, we really do That’s why we came all the way over here From a country we love so dear To teach you, If it kills you, Our right way to live... Surely, you will to us allegiance give? We offer you "Chieu Hoi" That's good ole American "Open Arms" boy Amnesty for commie defectors From your generous, friendly, armed protectors Papasan, better take our deal fast Too bad! So sad! Forget about the past! If you approve of this site, please show your approval by clicking above graphic...which will enter your vote for "Vietnam Picture Tour," as a top military site! Please Be Kind and my Guestbook sign, That I Might Know You Passed This Way! Sign My Guestbook View My Guestbook Vietnam Poems index, for more action poetry, graphics and Pictures! CLICK FOR RETURN TO... from the lens of a combat infantryman!