I was drafted for service by the government to
the Viet Nam war;
so I went into the Navy and sailed the Pacific
and I saw waves
that were bigger than my ship.
And vodka and cigars and hookers
became my steady companions.
And I survived live minefields
and shipboard fires
and sadistic superior officers;
and I spent sweet jasmine nights
with my pretty brown Lucita
in the hills of Mabayuan;
and I loved her.
And now I sit alone and
drink vodka martinis
and stare at the paintings
and contemplate my karma.
For poetry and more, visit Mecella.