Linda M. Graham (nee Luther)

DON’T MEAN NOTHIN’

The sixties was an era
when many things were changed
If you spent some time in the Nam
it didn’t take long to learn the slang

A can opener shook the earth
and a band aid was a Doc
When you picked up an AK-47
it was locked! Cocked! And ready to rock!

Beans and motherfuckers were dreaded
and boom boom meant a good time
While Charlie was the enemy
cheap Charlie wouldn’t spend a dime

A chopper was a helo
chop chop meant time to eat
CP pills made you run
to a cat hole not so deep

FNG’s burned the shit
while MACV stayed in the rear
Arty shot the rounds
and P38’s to open beer

Dust-off picked up wounded
and tracks weren’t meant for trains
In country was where you were
and LBJ took all the blame

Jody stabbed you in the back
and Kit Carson was a scout
I Corps was the north
and IV Corps was the south

LRRP’s went in the bush
with napalm all around
Don’t mess with willy peter
as it’s falling to the ground

Short timers whittled sticks
and turtles took their place
A boonyrat was a grunt…
honey dippers covered up their face

An APC gave you a lift
and weed would do it too
Dinky dau was a term
that everyone said of you

Rolling coffins were big boys
and Big Red One was the 1st
Boo coo was way too much
while Ba Ba would quench a thirst

The freedom bird took you home
with your brothers by your side
If one questions your time over there
you just say, Xin lỗi with a smile