Love Poem: A Different Vietnam
Michael Todd Avatar
Written by: Michael Todd

A Different Vietnam

After 13 years
	I feel you’ve become
		my Vietnam,
			one war of the heart
				I had little chance to win.
			So many small battles – 
		some were mine I faced alone,
	others were yours we faced together.

We each have too many scars,
	mine from fighting alone for so long,
		yours from fighting with someone once very close.
			I’ve decided at this point
				that loving you
			and having to leave you
		is still worth it – 
	even when the flashbacks return
and I see you both so clear, so untouchable.

Yes, I’m experiencing shell shock
	and probably will for a while longer
		until my R&R is over
			and this soldier of love goes back to war
				to try and win his next battle of the heart.

4/5/88