What the Soldiers Carried

The soldiers went to Vietnam,
Carrying guns to fight the war.
The soldiers went to Vietnam,
Carrying things from dog tags to chewing gum.
The soldiers went to Vietnam,
Carrying the urge to go back home.
The soldiers went to Vietnam,
Carrying the burden of guilt as they saw the dead.
The soldiers went to Vietnam,
Carrying sadness as they watched their friends die.
The soldiers went to Vietnam,
Carrying worry, fear, and paranoia.
The soldiers went to Vietnam,
Carrying their loved one in their hearts.
The soldiers left Vietnam,
Carrying the relief they were still alive.