Disambiguation

We cannot well do without our sins; they are the highway of our virtue. - Thoreau

way back in the nam

they called him napalm norman

dropping more than hints

Author's Note

"The very dogs that sullenly bay the moon from farm-yards in these nights excite more heroism in our breasts than all the civil exhortations or war sermons of the age." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

this short piece speaks volumes of importance and tragedy….most of us remember the Vietnam War and all the protests in America against, as many of our soldiers died or were captured and spent time in Vietnamese prisons, in solitary confinement……the war went on too long …….many wounded returned to find themselves in a quandary lost and forgotten , great work, Pete
warmly, B

[Pete]

all true what you say for most of us it was just news on tv and in newspapers. i feel bad for those who died or suffered as part of it.

[Betty Hermelee]

my pleasure Pete!
warmly
B🌷

[Samuel Dickens]

That was my war, my era, and yours, too, perhaps. Fifty-eight thousand young lives whose sacrifices bought what? Three of my friends and classmates became forever young in that war. I went, but was on an aircraft carrier. Your poem and music video reminds us of that which should never be forgotten.

[Pete]

i was too young then (born in '65) i grew up listening to my father (a wwii vet talk about what a fiasco it was). it's about stopping the red menace and we're still doing it (ukraine). i was in marine corps boot camp in '83 when a suicide bomber drove truck full of explosive into the marines at beirut airport. the marines were there on a "peace keeping mission" with no ammunition - they're mere presence was supposed to be enough and on and on it goes. when will we ever learn?

[Pete]

how can you defeat an enemy that's you can't see? that's when they started dropping napalm in the jungles.

[Samuel Dickens]

So much loss and heartbreak. The scars won't heal.

[emmajoygreen]

Not seen that video before: wish the singer hadn't smiled throughout what was a song showing such a tragedy, not merely for that war but the stench it left behind. People still discuss it: still feel it, still regret every second human beings actually experienced - and bitterly regret. A blot on humankind's history. The mental and physical suffering goes on and on to this day.

[Pete]

agreed. war is probably the sickest of things that man has ever conjured with untold, far-reaching effects. takes bigger men to swallow pride and make peace.

[Pete]

video was taken at royal albert hall (in your neck of the woods so to speak). that song was a big hit in 1985. i think the singer has a nice voice albeit modified with technology. guy's name is paul hardcastle. the choreography, costumes and lighting is interesting,

[emmajoygreen]

Yes, thought it was the Royal Albert Hall.. it's a very special venue. Named after Queen Victoria's husband, and - where many special events take place, eg. for Remembrance day , November,
to recognise the fallen military in the past and for those still fighting or backing active forces. At some point, hundreds of poppies drop from the inner dome and represent those passed in war. It' s very, very touching few minutes.. many tears shed. You could look online - youtube, for the event, 2023 and previously. There finishes your lesson for today, Pete!

[Tumi]

Whoa, this haiku is intense! I love how it hints at a deep story with just a few words. "Napalm Norman" sounds like a really interesting character, and I want to know more about him! Great job!

[Pete]

thank you for sharing kind thoughts tumi.