To those who keep the seas free
They place themselves board tiny boats at sea,
floating alone, hoping for savior's mast.
Their homes overran by threshing V.C.
We approached, fearful faces were made fast.
Their hungry eyes looking upward for trust,
one by one we hauled them aboard, swing and hoist.
There were women, children, and old men, we must!
A tent city constructed, their tears moist.
We sank their boat when they were safe aboard.
Grenades to the hull and below she sank.
We sailed them to Hong Kong, for free room and board.
Leaving them, we knew for freedom they thank.
People seek out freedom from oppression.
My shipmates and I survive a lesson.
© Copyrights G. Jones 2006
Author's Comments:
"This is an event I experienced during the end of the Vietnam War, when thousands of "Boat People" fled Vietnam for freedom. My destroyer happened to rescue 417 of them that particular day from an attack by Thai pirates."
They place themselves board tiny boats at sea,
floating alone, hoping for savior's mast.
Their homes overran by threshing V.C.
We approached, fearful faces were made fast.
Their hungry eyes looking upward for trust,
one by one we hauled them aboard, swing and hoist.
There were women, children, and old men, we must!
A tent city constructed, their tears moist.
We sank their boat when they were safe aboard.
Grenades to the hull and below she sank.
We sailed them to Hong Kong, for free room and board.
Leaving them, we knew for freedom they thank.
People seek out freedom from oppression.
My shipmates and I survive a lesson.
© Copyrights G. Jones 2006
Author's Comments:
"This is an event I experienced during the end of the Vietnam War, when thousands of "Boat People" fled Vietnam for freedom. My destroyer happened to rescue 417 of them that particular day from an attack by Thai pirates."
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