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DAYBREAK OFF THE COAST
The slight ripple of soft waves flowed
As seabirds following the giant vessel
Sought tasty tidbits thrown overboard
Daybreak off the coast of Vietnam
A gentle affair in the cool autumn air.
The gentleness of the sun’s rising
Over the front end of the flight deck
Belied the coming scurry of action
The giant bird’s bomb laden takeoff
Foreshadowing eminent destruction.
Later in the day, as the radar scanned,
The sudden appearance of the planes
As slight specks on the distant horizon
Excited the flight deck with activity
Anticipating the return of the warriors.
This incessant daily grind slowly cast
A pall of fear over these men’s souls
Pilfering the serenity of these sailors
The of air of apprehension hanging
As dead albatrosses around their necks.
