Steve Brandenburg

GHOSTS

A young man enlisted today
he wants to serve his country.
Still a young man in basic
but he’s getting bolder;
Getting to know himself.

Stands tall in his uniform
Not knowing the future
Then the orders:
Nam – hell bound
He accepts them without a sound

In country just a few days!
Get on that slick, boy
You’re heading DMZ way.
Hope to see you again someday.

He gets to the squad assigned
All sparkly dressed
Polished and shined.
Well at least it was new.

Still stood out like a brand new dime
Facing these men he knows not
But will love forever
After all is said and done.

They stink
Dirty and mud caked.
Boots are worn and battered
White toes and faded green canvas.

The rules are laid out
The FNG, knows nothing.
But these men he will follow
They’ll teach to walk the walk
And talk the talk.

Time goes on some go
Back to the World.
Some sent home
In a body bag.
They taught him well.

He makes it home
To a world he doesn’t remember.
But life goes on trying to forget the past
Yet he can’t forget his brothers
The fighting and dying in the tall grass.

He grows older, life getting short
But he knows he will see his brothers.
He’ll stand in review as he did once before
No more ghosts, no more shadows.

They are one again
Brothers
Brothers, forever.