stark memory
 
you looked up at me
with the precise peculiarity
of your smile
touching me
with a distinct embrace
 
my hand trembled
upon the round smallness
of your soft breast
the flesh quickening
with slight quivers
 
i knew then
i would remember you
in some place far-off
alien and strange
 
now
in this early morning light
drowsily munching stale c-rats
i am comforted
by your stark memory
gazing at silhouettes
of shredded viet cong
dangling mute
in concertina wire

                             September, 1967
                         Qui Nhon, Vietnam

 

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