You asked me a deep question just the other day,
At the time I wasn't quite sure just what to say,
Now, I've given it much thought, and I want you to see,
The answer to what is different between you and me.

You noticed I don't laugh and talk with others as I should,
Or carry on conversations as others surely would.
I walk with a limp, and I have a long beard,
I have a short temper, and seem not to fear.

It's simple really, but with no easy solution,
Just like Global Warming, and air pollution.
I'm a Vietnam Vet, and that means many things
A soldier I was with all the baggage that brings.

What does that mean? I'm sure you might ask.
What sorrows lie hidden beneath my mask?
I will answer you now, and I'll leave nothing out.
Nothing to wonder, nothing to doubt.

While others sat at home comfortable and safe,
I risked my life to keep them forever that way.
While some hunted for fun on a safe hunting lease,
I sought after an enemy who also sought after me.

While some laughed with friends on a late Saturday night,
I trudged through the swamps and fought for my life.
I watched my friends die, while I took enemy's lives.
Their faces haunt my dreams each and every night.

While some wore clean clothes and hung them overhead,
I wore the same socks until on my feet tore and bled.
While protesters walked the streets and decried a war they didn't like,
I crept through the jungle and watched for booby-traps and spikes.

I marched with a friend's body clasped close to my chest,
Hoping to bring a grieved mother something to bury and bless.
Battlefields are not pretty, as you might well have heard,
Things fly around and hit you like so many foul birds.

While the government regulated each and every emission,
I was forced to drink from foul water while out on a mission.
I lost many friends, and I promise that's is no joke,
But lots of us returned, with insides that were broke.

Not all who are victims of war die, you see,
Some of us carry scars so deep you cannot see.
To take another man's life is not easy or clean,
To watch my friends die, is something I've seen.

Yet I did it all for the right reasons and cause,
I did it, my friend, because my country called.
When I returned, I faced ridicule and scorn,
Never had I known such hate since I was born.

I keep this inside where my nightmares dwell,
Where I keep also the memories of all who fell.
I don't blame anyone for the experience I bore,
Nor do I try, my acquaintances to ignore.

I'm glad I served, I would do it willingly again,
Just remember next time, I've a soul to mend.
No, I don't talk, and with relationships I have trouble,
But that's okay, I am like no other.