From the Anthology
Veterans’ Voices
On the Enchantment of the Seas
At a veterans meet and greet
A gentleman thanked me for my service
And offered me his seat.
I always felt I didn’t give as much
As the men who served.
Among the war-hardened men
I definitely felt unnerved.
I, the lone woman, sat among
Ten men, all enlisted, save one,
Talking about their experiences
Now that the war is done.
I learned more about Viet Nam
Than I had heard in fifty years.
They are finally considered heroes
After coming home to jeers.
“You are one with us,”Kenny said.
You didn’t have to leave
Family, friends and home.
What we felt you can perceive.”
Until then I talked about
My military service seldom.
Now I felt included.
“Civilians don’t know the smell of freedom.”
