SHORT

I first heard that word on arriving at day number one.
As we marched off the plane in the hot humid sun.
Why are people shouting that word again?
For most of us are all tall men..

SHORT turns out was a mocking word..
As later I found out after it's first being heard.
It was also an announcement of cheer.
That for some, time was winding down in this place of fear.

Marching off the plane we had 365 days to serve..
In this hellish place that would rattle our nerves.
I heard that word over and over again.
As daily it seemed shouted by certain women and men.

I'll shout it one day at new people.. one day.. it will be fun..
As they march around in the hot Vietnam sun.
One day I was (SHORT) and shout it I began..
Until I saw sadness in the face of one new man. (actually boy)
As I looked at him I actually saw me.. way back in day number one.
As we marched around in the hot humid sun.
And I promised I would never mock anyone like that again.
 

This was Billy Klinger's short time
calendar. One of the guys made it
with spray paint, markers and a sheet.
This fella enjoyed doing it for the guys
and always included the name of the
handlers dog. You can't see it from this picture but on the bottom it says,
"It will always be Bill and Bingo."