My friend, Sonny, sent me this poem after visiting us in the orange grove last year. We had been talking about writing, and he said, “I have a poem I wrote a few years back that I’ll share with you.” This is that poem. Sonny lives in the Northeast Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his heroism in Vietnam. This poem speaks to the enduring impact of war on the young men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. Sonny has spent his life being a strong anti-war advocate. He gave me permission to share this poem.

Thank you, Sonny.

Sonny with our daughters and his adopted son from Cambodia, February 15, 2026