Thank You So Very Much

You took care of me and my buddy; I can’t recall your name;

Tonight as I remember, I want to thank you just the same.

I remember the confusion as other medi-vacs would land,

I remember the screams as you held my hand.

As you pushed me inside, I sensed the blood and gore;

Was this a hellish nightmare or the uglier side of war?

I couldn’t feel the pain, only the fear that I would die;

As you tended to me I felt safe, safe enough to cry.

When later I awoke you were there, I still can see your face,

For one quick second I was home or some other kinder place.

I asked about my buddy, a friend of nearly a year,

You didn’t need to answer as your eyes began to tear.

I didn’t understand why my friend had to die,

We both just looked at each other as we began to cry.

What you meant to me and others I don’t think you’ll every know,

We carry a memory of you with us where ever we may go.

In six hours you and the doctors saved me, war is so insane;

I will never forget you but I wish I knew your name.

Michael D. Monfrooe

1992

Twin Cities V.A.

A tribute to all the men and women in white