The orange will get you

I served in the Navy in World War II,

I served with honor; I knew what I had to do.

When I came home I was treated like a hero,

I was special, no matter where I did go.

It wasn't the same for the boys come back from 'Nam

They were made to feel guilty, like they had no home.

They had done their duty like their country asked for,

They gave their all, they couldn't have done more.

Some came home acting kind of strange,

Others were sick from the chemical, Agent Orange.

For a long time, our government said you're not sick,

You're just making trouble; it's all a trick.

The other day I read an obit, he was only 53,

He served in 'Nam, he believed to make others free.

Now there's a widow and two sons to grieve.

The orange got him, no chance to live.

JOHN HOWARD

Sandpoint