Where

by John Mansfield

Where did he go? He’s someone you know.
You saw him on TV, the Walter Cronkite show.

You know who I mean, there’s a rifle in his hand, the man dressed in green, in a far away land.

He stands in the mud, a man still so bold, covered with blood with eyes o’ so old.

He went back to school wanted something to show, though cursed and called fool, he’d learned, don’t you know.

He’s the lawyer, the doctor, the baker, the cook. He’s unemployed, a farmer, he’s writing a book.

He’s married; he’s single, divorced, widowed or alone. He holds on to his pride, that’s what helped bring him home.

Where did he go? He’s someone you know.
You saw him on TV, the Walter Cronkite show.

He works every day, has a family, a place. He’s part of our world yet needs his own space.

For sometimes he stands all alone feeling down. Goes off by himself, he smiles then he frowns.

Remembers those days when he served us with pride, thinks of friends far away, those who fought by his side.

Yes he served us with pride though desperate with fear, tears flood to his eyes for buddies not here.

Where did he go? He’s someone you know.
You saw him on TV, the Walter Cronkite show

He is all but forgotten by all but a few. He has no regrets for what he chose to do.

He’s an old soldier now, who once long ago lived up to his vows, while others said no.

Where did he go?
Why, nowhere, you see.  He is inside of you, he’s inside of me.

John L. Mansfield served as a Mortar & Rifle Platoon Leader with 4-31 Infantry, the 196th BDE in Vietnam. He stayed in the Army Guard & Army Reserve and retired with over 30 years of service. He has published two articles on leadership: “Why Not It Is Your Report Card” & “Setting Headspace & Timing in Junior Leaders”, both in National Guard magazine. A book about his Vietnam experiences titled Twenty Days in May, Vietnam 1968 was published in 2008. He and his wife Sandy, who live in Iowa, celebrated 45 years of marriage in May and stay busy with their 5 grandchildren.