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"Just Crazed" War Vets? (poem)

By Paul Cameron

The Vietnam War is over for most
Strange homecoming without a toast
"Just crazed" vets back on the block to endure
Looks, questions, and talk from the unsure

You're not one of those "just crazed" vets are you?
Please don't take it personal in this job interview
I'm not hiring anyone with combat flashbacks

Have you been engaged in any militant acts?
Did you kill anyone while you were there?
Your eyes look so distant with that stare
How did you feel about killing innocent babies?
"Just crazed" war vets like mad dogs with rabies

Images of the dying held in your arms with grace
Blood, sweat, and tears running down your face
Who killed whom and how does anyone really feel?
Ask a "just crazed" war vet about war and "real"

Time is of the essence but not really a cure
Flashbacks of horrific images always to endure
Hospitals, meds, homelessness are the placed bets
Peace of mind never comes to "just crazed" war vets?

- Paul Cameron

Paul Cameron is a Vietnam War veteran, married with two children and three grandchildren.
He lives in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri and work part-time in Illinois as high school counselor.