Ralph “Butchie” Michael Santinello

Of War and Love

My tears are at night hidden from light

But no shame is there on my face.

For my tears are from sorrow; not from fright - - 

My thoughts are of home, my rightful place.

Home with its warmth, beauty, and you 

And you with a sorrow so heavy in your heart

And I wishing I was there, too,

Vowing after this we never shall part.

I'm sure my thoughts are shared by all

For smiling faces are so tragically few.

Still we go, no question to our country's call,

But the pity is it harms our loved one, too.

I shall return to you, my love,

A better man since goodbye I last waved.

Thanking to luck and our God above;

For it's home, God and country and you I have saved.

On my return, as I leave this land called Vietnam, 

I look back on my buddies who DID give a damn;

Who fought and died to save this land - - 

They died resisting the Communist demand.

In later years, when I look back in time, 

I'll remember how they died in the mud and grime;

As I step on the plane, I'll shed a tear.

I feel so sad, but I know they are near.

Ralph Michael Santinello - April 1969, Vietnam.  KIA May 1969.