Photo Courtesy: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Site

"One Year"
By
Don Schaffer

WHEN I WAS 17 I WORRIED ABOUT:

Learning enough to pass final exams.

Would I have enough gas for my car.

Friends going their own way after graduation.

Having a date on Friday night.

Losing my girlfriend.


WHEN I WAS 18 I WORRIED ABOUT:

Learning enough to survive a war, not pass an exam.

Having enough ammunition for my rifle, rather than gas for my car.

My friends being killed, rather than going their own ways.

Being point man on a Friday night ambush, rather than a date.

Losing my life, rather than my girlfriend.