I have jotted down my memories,
My moments in the sun-
And many of the things that
I have left undone.
By all rights and reason
I should not still be here -
I have outlived my comrades
By another thirty years.
And tonight I hear them calling-
Tonight I can shed no more tears,
For tonight I will join them-
On that ridge in Vietnam.
I believe I have seen my last sunset
I believe I have uttered my last prayer,
I believe I am ready, finally to be at rest.

Written by request and based on our last conversation.