This is a poem I wrote during the "Conflict."

                                    Chick Sheehan

NOT FAR FROM CAN-THO

Not far from Can-Tho, a woman gave birth,
In a Lambretta
That was blown off the road.

The woman gave birth to a fetus
Delivered by a mine--a command detonated mine--
Not far from Can-Tho.

Not far from Phu-Vinh, a medic was shot in the head.

A sniper's bullet smashed through the skull of a lad--
Now dead,
Not far from Phu-Vinh.

He is as dead as the mother and fetus not far from Can-Tho.

While people are mourning in Philadelphia,
Buddhists are demonstrating against an unpopular election in Saigon.

While Peace-niks are demonstrating against an unpopular war in Washington,
People are mourning in Phu-Vinh and Can-Tho.

How far is Saigon from Philadelphia?
How far is Washington from Can-Tho?

As far as personal grief can extend itself
Over time, distance,
And--maybe--politics.


CRS, 19 October 1967

Copyright © 1967 Charles R. Sheehan, all rights reserved