A Poem by Larry Uzzel

A Poem by Larry Uzzel
Tiger Tail 6 between August 1969 and July 1970

Shortly after Roy Royston was killed on Dec 16 1969, I attended a memorial service for him. It was in a chapel some place at Bien Hoa Air Base, with a helmet and boots on an altar. They were draped with purple cloth. There were also holly boughs, to reflect the Christmas season. There was sunlight coming in the window, reflecting off the helmet visor. I wrote this poem that night and have had it all these years. Haven't changed a thing.

Memorial To Christmas Boughs

Helmet green, purple draped

On an alter bared,

Amidst the green and holly boughs

This Christmas time of year

Is this what's left?

Two boots, and helmet in between?

Tears from those who sometimes cared,

Eyes that look thru helmets into pasts and mourn and gloom

What becomes of man,

Turns a corner,

Never seen again?

I see the visor shine,

A reflection of the outside light,

Pointing to the world survived.

What is it, this reflection back to me,

Causing pain within and tears without

Is this, perhaps, where now he lives?

Written by Larry Uzzel Dec. 1969

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