The End is Near
A Vietnam War story from the other side.40 total reviews
Comment from Joan E.
I admired your writing from the point of view of a Vietnamese soldier. The work also had personal resonance, since I visited the Cu Chi Tunnels a few years ago. Your use of dialog added to the realism of your description, and your resolution to this tale is evocative. -Joan
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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I admired your writing from the point of view of a Vietnamese soldier. The work also had personal resonance, since I visited the Cu Chi Tunnels a few years ago. Your use of dialog added to the realism of your description, and your resolution to this tale is evocative. -Joan
Comment Written 04-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Thank you very much Joan. I've not been by the Cu Chi Tunnels but have heard they are mind boggling. I appreciate you reading and for your comments. Regards, Bill
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I'm a bit claustrophobic--so, just my husband shimmied in and found the tunnel very close and disturbing historically. -Joan
Comment from oNray
Respect for you and your freedom of speech allow us to write as we see fit. My problem is I looked face to face at those that you write of, and I cannot stand to hear everyone's story. This is you're, the students had an opinion. My opinion is good American men and woman did die for what we were told was ridding the world of bad people.
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Respect for you and your freedom of speech allow us to write as we see fit. My problem is I looked face to face at those that you write of, and I cannot stand to hear everyone's story. This is you're, the students had an opinion. My opinion is good American men and woman did die for what we were told was ridding the world of bad people.
Comment Written 04-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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I'm a veteran, so certainly can't argue with you. I was really trying to write a story from two sides. Perhaps you could read the other side, which is called Fung-one. Regards, Bill
Comment from G.B. Smith
Hey there
This war was a travesty. I was wounded 16 times and in a coma for 21 days. When Nixon walked out I was overjoyed. I was so pissed when I came home to find that West Moorland was
a clown and that Johnson tricked us into enlisting in 1966 to help fight communism. This is a wonderful story. In 1982 I went with 85 other vets back to Vietnam. There was barely any sign we had ever been there. Same in Laos and Cambodia where we were when it was against US law to even be there.
Bear
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Hey there
This war was a travesty. I was wounded 16 times and in a coma for 21 days. When Nixon walked out I was overjoyed. I was so pissed when I came home to find that West Moorland was
a clown and that Johnson tricked us into enlisting in 1966 to help fight communism. This is a wonderful story. In 1982 I went with 85 other vets back to Vietnam. There was barely any sign we had ever been there. Same in Laos and Cambodia where we were when it was against US law to even be there.
Bear
Comment Written 04-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Bear - I wish you would write the story that you outlined above. I would read it. I'm a veteran and have gotten beaten up a little on this post. I really was trying to point out that there are always two sides and war sucks equally bad, no matter which side of the rifle you are on! Regards, Bill
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There are two.
The road to hell is paved in blood written in August of 2008 It took 40 years to write
The hell of war is hell May 1st 2008
Comment from livingwords
This was an enjoyable read. Using the perspective of the Viet Cong was interesting and creative. I wonder if it would be even better with Tran's POV.
Only suggestion is the double use of the word 'astounded'. Too strong to be used in such quick succession. Great read. Dan :))
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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This was an enjoyable read. Using the perspective of the Viet Cong was interesting and creative. I wonder if it would be even better with Tran's POV.
Only suggestion is the double use of the word 'astounded'. Too strong to be used in such quick succession. Great read. Dan :))
Comment Written 04-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Thanks for reading Dan and appreciate the spot. I'll take a look. My first draft was in fact a POV. Regards, Bill
Comment from highlander104
Wow! In spite of your opening explanation, I did not see that ending coming. Gave me chills. In another life, Eddie Mabe and Tran might have been good friends.
Fine writing and vivid descriptions, along with strong characters, carried your story.
Jean K.
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Wow! In spite of your opening explanation, I did not see that ending coming. Gave me chills. In another life, Eddie Mabe and Tran might have been good friends.
Fine writing and vivid descriptions, along with strong characters, carried your story.
Jean K.
Comment Written 04-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Hi Jean - thanks for reading and for the comments. Hopefully, you will read the other piece, Fung-one. Regards, Bill
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I read the other piece when you first wrote it. Here I caught the latrine connection right away.
Just two young men caught up in a war.
Jean K.
Comment from Carolyn 12
Well written story. No matter the war both sides always hurt in the end. Alot of truth in this, America pulled out and the South basicly caved in. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Well written story. No matter the war both sides always hurt in the end. Alot of truth in this, America pulled out and the South basicly caved in. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 04-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Thank you Carolyn -- first for reading and then your comments. Regards, Bill
Comment from peggles
This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for an easy read
I find your story well prepared and displayed
Good content and story line
Direction was consistent and smooth
The story presented very well
A very realistic write that I thoroughly enjoyed
the scene settings are very realistic
So many are forced to fight because of circumstances making it impossible to exist without doing so
You captured my interest quickly
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for an easy read
I find your story well prepared and displayed
Good content and story line
Direction was consistent and smooth
The story presented very well
A very realistic write that I thoroughly enjoyed
the scene settings are very realistic
So many are forced to fight because of circumstances making it impossible to exist without doing so
You captured my interest quickly
Comment Written 04-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Thanks Peggles - we get so few sixes, that I'm always honored to get one. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Regards, Bill
Comment from Realist101
Hi Bill! Yes, we have lots of soldiers of foreign descent...and I dare say, a lot of these people are more patriotic than some of us 'born here' citizens. But Eddie is a good example of how varied the views of war can be, as you portrayed so well in this piece. Nice work Bill. As always...Susan
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Hi Bill! Yes, we have lots of soldiers of foreign descent...and I dare say, a lot of these people are more patriotic than some of us 'born here' citizens. But Eddie is a good example of how varied the views of war can be, as you portrayed so well in this piece. Nice work Bill. As always...Susan
Comment Written 04-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2011
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Thanks for reading both posts Susan, much appreciated.
Comment from Apostate
Don't think I've ever read a story from the North Vietnamese's POV before. Hell, never bothered trying to find one from their POV before. My version of patriotism or jingoism I guess.
I liked this piece. Held my interest from the beginning to the end. Just two soldiers in a miserable war doing their job - which happens to be, when not dealing with poisonous bugs and animals or cleaning latrines, killing American soldiers. The reality of soldiers at war becomes so very ordinary very quicklyl.
reply by the author on 03-Dec-2011
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Don't think I've ever read a story from the North Vietnamese's POV before. Hell, never bothered trying to find one from their POV before. My version of patriotism or jingoism I guess.
I liked this piece. Held my interest from the beginning to the end. Just two soldiers in a miserable war doing their job - which happens to be, when not dealing with poisonous bugs and animals or cleaning latrines, killing American soldiers. The reality of soldiers at war becomes so very ordinary very quicklyl.
Comment Written 03-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 03-Dec-2011
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Thank you for reading and for your comments. Both are appreciated! Bill
Comment from adewpearl
Vivid and compelling description of setting
Natural-sounding dialogue and good character development
You convey the emotions of these soldiers effectively
Oh, what a powerful ending - what a perfect pairing with your other story :-) I wish I had a six left. Brooke
reply by the author on 03-Dec-2011
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Vivid and compelling description of setting
Natural-sounding dialogue and good character development
You convey the emotions of these soldiers effectively
Oh, what a powerful ending - what a perfect pairing with your other story :-) I wish I had a six left. Brooke
Comment Written 03-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 03-Dec-2011
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Brooke - six ... your positive feedback is always a seven to me. Always warm regards, Bill
