January 20, 2025 / from 501 behind the door

my next door neighbor, a Vietnam War Navy nurse serving aboard

the USS Coral Sea, north of the Philippines, south southwest

of the Gulf of Tonkin, who is now 76 and living a peaceful, singular life

with an expansive view of the Taunton River’s northern beginnings,

curious as to what was to become of “people like us" whereupon I replied:

“well, we’re going to have to wait to see how this will affect "people like us” 

but I should’ve said:

“we’re fucking screwed and thank you for your service”.