Ned Falconer

DEAR MUM

Well we made it over here Mum
seems a real nice place.
I’m bunking down with Terry
and he’s a real hard case.

We got issued with our weapons
and a hundred rounds or more.
We’re starting to get the picture
that we’re here to fight a war.

I don’t know how I’ll go Mum;
it’s really stinking hot.
Even when you’re standing still
you seem to sweat a lot.

They tell us watch your step,
‘cause there’s mines planted everywhere,
They reckon if you step on one,
we won’t have time to care.

The tuckers not real good Mum,
mainly ration packs,
You should see what we carry
on our flamin’ backs.

You should see the mossies;
they can carry you away.
They reckon they’ll get rid of them,
with this Agent Orange Spray.

We know we’re here to do a job,
and they say it could get rough.
I’ve only been here a week or more,
and even now I’ve had enough.

I know you worry about me Mum,
‘cause it’s the first time I’ve left home.
But there’s a lot of us over here in Nam
I’m not here on my own.

I’ll write a little later Mum,
and maybe I’ll have more to say.
Give my love to everyone;
I love you, especially today.