These Eyes

Stuart Watkins

These eyes have seen thousands of rounds

going downrange seeking the center shot

seeking perfection

seeking awards

seeking the Olympics

representing the United States of America

These eyes have seen images of Vietnam

soldiers, civilians, Viet Cong

dead

watched life slip into never land

watched soldiers scramble into foxholes

when “Incoming,” was yelled

These eyes have seen paddy fields

with bodies floating among rice stalks

dead water buffalo pulling no more plows

woman weeping

holding a small body

burned to death by napalm

These eyes never saw a gold medal

being presented on a stand

these eyes have wept tears of sorrow

regretting the time spent in Nam

killing fellow humans

for God knows what or why