Untamed land, primitive
raped and torn
the beautiful South China Sea
scorching heat, violent monsoons
slippery rice paddies
savage jungle
eerie sounds in the night
My Enemy

Poisonous snakes, fist-sized spiders
restless tigers
sucking leeches fat with my blood
beautiful tropical birds
mosquitos buzzing inside my helmet
agitated water buffalos
rock apes bombarding us with stones
My Enemy

Fierce mountain tribesmen
farmers in black pajamas
beautiful schoolgirls on bicycles
houses of straw, easy to ignite
dirt floors, trap doors, hidden tunnels
children begging in the streets
children with homemade hand grenades
My Enemy

By LCpl. Brad Reynolds
M Co. 3/5
RVN 1967-68