A JOYOUS PARADE
It's been thirty days and one
Since we left the desert sun
It caused this warrior to tear
The words and acts of cheer
Rome left us at the end of the runway
Hot and stuffy, pain we had ours to pay
Dublin left us on the plane at the gate
What awaits us in the States
La Guardia, one hundred forty weapons
I'll stay on board to keep an eye on
They welcomed us home
From the distant land where we'd roam
Free pizza, drinks and a phone call
A smile crossed my face shocking all
It's been thirty days and one
I'm able to stand but it's not fun
I get to watch the parade
A celebration made
If they really want to honor us
Why are we making the fuss
Why don't we sit on our ass
And watch them walk pass
Desert uniform is sterile, unit patch and tapes
Civilians acting like apes
I'm not some celebrity
Don't make a big deal about me.
They lead the march the others
My Viet Nam brothers
Apes don't greet them with a cheer
non-responsive rather than a leer
I walk out to them in pain
leaning heavily on my cane
Welcome home big brother
I say to the other
We clench each others hands
A cheer sounds from the stands
I finish the walk with these men
Who lead the way for me again
Three lead to cheer and stare
The Black Flag, my cane and a chair
Tears filled battle hardened eyes
They hear "Welcome Home" cries.
Trouble I got into
Because I marched with you
Couldn't march with my unit
With Viet Nam Vets I could do it.
I can't march in step
So I fit in the Disabled Vets