Encounter

The old man looked at me and sighed.
He had winter on his breath and burning eyes.
“They told me they were all just gooks, but they lied.
I fought for my country, but my country passed me by.
Down in the jungle where only those who lose their souls survive.
1974 and a hot sun on the rise.

I killed, I killed, I killed, and my friends died.
I returned a different person from the one who said goodbye.
The one who kissed his mother and his girlfriend,
took his gun into the skies.
1974 and a hot sun on the rise.

I followed my dreams, but my dreams were lies.
I wasn’t a hero when I killed under foreign skies.
We all know a soldier, a strong man, never cries.
1974 and a hot sun on the rise.
I thought I’d see I hate, but just saw fear in their eyes.
Said the old man fighting back tears to save his pride.