Years Ago
 
There was a time when I was young.
It was so, so long ago.
A handsome boy, my song unsung.
Full of hope, goodwill and joy.

I had my hopes, my dreams to live.
I never thought that they would waver.
I’d make my parents proud someday.
And take up our nation’s banner.

These were not peaceful years.
When my youthful decisions were made.
A time of war and JFK’s ‘New Frontiers’
‘Ask not’ is what I heard.

I had a young man’s innocence.
I would help others and heed the call.
Live my life with honor.
Be brave and fearless, stand tall.

To live this life I would enlist.
Become the best, a Marine.
Oppressed people I would assist.
And fight the evil foe.

At nineteen I went to war.
Still young at heart but troubled.
With war’s death and misery, in one short year,
My age seemed more than doubled.

Just twenty now, my heart was old and sad.
If men could do what I had seen and done,
How could hope or joy still linger?
I had become withdrawn and sullen.

My innocence had long since shattered.
My dreams now gone, somehow forgotten,
Down some dark, deep hole lay fractured.
Nightmares renting their lonely home.

My bravery had been surely lacking,
Fear was my constant companion.
When the shells had fallen, there I cowered.
Standing tall was not an option.

The call I heeded was not answered.
It was not even defined.
Our mission forever blurred.
Commitments never made.

The people still oppressed,
Even though the battles won.
The evil left undefeated.
Safe in its communist bastion.

The honor I found was not mine.
All honors go to those who fell.
They were so young, so fine.
Now I wish we were together.

Yes, I was young once.
It was so, so long ago.
But that memory is transience.
For I am old, as old can be.



Cpl. Michael Tank
Age 20 Years
USMC
Scout/Snipers
'69-/72

01/20/02


"Copyright 2004. Michael E. Tank All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied, faxed, electronically transmitted, or in any other manner duplicated without express written permission of the author."


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