The Soldier
There once was a soldier
A soldier that fought over in Vietnam
This soldier was a Canadian
And chose to help out his American friends in Vietnam
There once was a soldier
A soldier who walked across the U.S. of A
This soldier lived in Canada
And chose to help out his American friends in Vietnam
There once was a soldier
A soldier that suddenly died
This soldier was proud to be a Canadian
And chose to help out his American friends in Vietnam
There once was a soldier
And this soldier has a family
This soldiers family lives in Newfoundland
This soldier chose to help out his American friends in Vietnam
There once was a soldier
This soldier has a family
This soldier's family wants this soldier to be buried in Newfoundland
This soldier chose to help out his American friends in Vietnam
There once was a soldier
This soldier has a family in Newfoundland
The government won't let this soldier be buried in Newfoundland
This soldier chose to help out his American friends in Vietnam
There once was a soldier
This soldier was proud to be a Canadian
This soldier's name was John W. Blake
This soldier chose to help out his American friends in Vietnam
There once was a soldier
That was proud to be a Canadian
And darn proud to help out his American friends in Vietnam
Remember...That Canadian was John W. Blake
This poem is dedicated to John W. Blake and to the family of John W. Blake
Stefanie Hills
RECOGNITION
You went to Vietnam when you where still just a child.
Volunteered to tame a land that was crazy and wild.
They stuck you in the middle of a war and told you to fight.
You stood your ground and did what they told you was right.
You fought for months always watching you backs.
No one can ever say that it was bravery you lacked.
When it was finally over, they threw you on the street.
They told you to forget, but that didn't help you to sleep.
Years went by and you felt very alone.
At last this year, after so very long, your recognition had finally come,
As you lay the wreath your stance was nothing but proud.
And you felt like shouting to the whole world out loud.
"Now look at me, for I can see, Vietnam, no longer harms me.!"
Sandra Dowell
I UNDERSTAND NOW
You went to Vietnam, one tour got you life!
Not the kind of jail that you can get out of, but one that shattered your mind.
They throw you back into civilization, and you try to live like everyone else.
All the while living a private, silent hell.
The nightmares, the flashbacks, a car back fires, you hit the ground!
You scream inside your head, yet you dare not make a sound.
People at home worried about you getting shot.
You worried about bitch ants, booby traps, malaria.
After all the booze and women you think they'd figure it out.
When will they ever get it, it was much worse than what they thought.
I understand now, after the war is over, and your recognition has been found, your personal war still rages on.
And you sometimes wonder, would it have been easier to have been shot down?
Sandra Dowell
I KNOW A MAN
I know a man who is brave and true.
I know a man who fought for the red, white and blue.
I know a man that marchs and cheers
I know a man that's known many fears.
I know a man who walks proud and tall.
I know a man who gave his all
I know a man who welcomes others home, I know a man who once felt very alone.
I know a man who is caring and kind.
I know a man who fought in the front line.
I know a man who is honest and pure.
I know a man who did his tour.
I know a man who works hard at his job.
I know a man who's pride they once robbed.
I know a man we're proud to call DAD, and even though you think he's like all the rest:
This man is very special, you see he's a Vietnam VET!
Sandra Dowell
A SPECIAL PERSON
There is a person I'm proud of, and happy to see.
This person is a friend to me,
This person doesn't regret it, believe me,
This person went and saw things I'll never see.
This person was shot at and survived to have me.
This person arrives home just like you and me,
This person is my hero and I'll never forget,
This person is my Dad, "a proud Vietnam Vet."
Adam Dowell
