You went with me to the
Vietnam War Art Museum
The weekend I helped you move
Your things back to Chicago
It was near the end of summer and
Your sophomore year at Northwestern
Would soon begin
I expected the art to be dark
Still, was caught by surprise
There was none of the humor
Should have realized humorous memories
Don't need to be purged from your soul
I watched you, wondering
If you would judge us harshly
You said 'No'
I can't even imagine what you went through
The photos and art just don't connect
If you have no experience to relate them to
I was just thinking
There are a lot worse places
I could be at 19
We drove away in silence
Me remembering, you reflecting
I've never cried over Vietnam
Kept it bottled up inside
That day I almost broke the seal
I'm sorry if at times
I've made you feel uncomfortable
But it's been an emotional 30 years
D…..,
Peace
Always
