The article reflects on Vietnam’s war history, personal experiences, and the present ramifications of conflict as a current anniversary approaches. It highlights the interplay between war, politics, and poetry, urging the use of creative expression as resistance against tyranny. Voices from the past, like Kim Stafford, emphasize the importance of remembering and expressing dissent through poetry in times of crisis.
Thirty years ago, flying into Vietnam was not just a journey but a stark reminder of my family’s trauma. A phone call back in 1969 had informed us of my father’s serious injury from Viet Cong fire, leaving me as a 13-year-old grappling with the realities of war and the violent conflicts surrounding it, evoking reflection on American intervention in Indochina. I always sensed that the U.S.’s role was misguided, plagued by myths of war and the fear of a relentless domino effect that history would repeat itself.
As we landed, feelings of nostalgia intermingled with the reality of the landscape. The aerial view revealed lush forests and glimmering fields, appearing dreamlike from above. Soon after boarding the bus through rice paddies, I found myself enveloped by the local culture—women adorned in conical hats, water buffalo in the fields, and duck flocks quacking about. It was a wake-up call; I was thrust into another world.
This visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. Reflecting on past anniversaries stirs anger and frustration—war seems to be a constant desire for the past and current administrations, with references to relentless military actions against countries like Iran, China, and even Canada. It is alarming how the narrative of support for war persists among moneyed political factions. An evocative image arises when considering how devastating events like My Lai seem amplified in the present horrors shaking Palestine.
Meanwhile, April marks National Poetry Month, bringing forth the value of poetry in times of despair and authoritarianism—a force against societal darkness. The dangers posed by those in power as they indulge their tech ambitions evoke a sense of urgency. The campaign of the Trump administration often seems indiscriminate, sacrificing the essence of culture for aggressive policies.
Recently on my radio show, former Oregon poet laureate Kim Stafford participated on April 9. We exchanged thoughts on the themes of conflict and politics, and he shared a thought-provoking poem that captures the grim reality many face in war zones, “Gaza, the Sound of Rain.” It speaks to loss and the destruction of hope amidst ongoing violence.
During my previous trips to Vietnam for biodiversity research, I served as both journalist and logistical support. Pages of history summarize the pain: millions of civilians and soldiers lost, widespread military damage, deforestation, and the dark legacy of chemicals used during the conflict. We learned about the dire consequences of deforestation, especially of habitats critical for unique wildlife. Tons of rainfall forest and mangroves were devastated, triggering a shadow of loss felt across generations.
Yusef Komunyakaa’s poem “Camouflaging the Chimera” encapsulates the haunting memories of that conflict and its toll on the human spirit. It illustrates soldiers in a profound struggle as they confront nature and the sheer impossibility of warfare—no victor emerges from such battles. Past generations have left their scars on memory, with honorable men and women echoing their experiences and lessons learned. Kim Stafford has shared anti-war sentiments, reflecting on our troubled current era in his works, such as “Citizen of Dark Times.”
Our youth find solace through nature—connecting with coastal beauty, gazing at migrating birds. Yet, they are also aware of societal duties echoing Thomas Jefferson’s insights on civic responsibility; they call upon citizens to uphold their rights. Poetry serves as a weapon against tyranny, providing voices filled with optimism to combat pervasive despair against the backdrop of contemporary war. In this struggle, the exchange of words and songs offers critical support in the march against oppression.
The reflections on Vietnam and ongoing global conflicts highlight a longstanding legacy of trauma and a continuous cycle of war. Poetry emerges as a crucial counter-narrative to violence and despair, enabling hopeful expressions amid grief. As we witness escalating international tensions, it becomes increasingly evident that both remembrance and creative expression represent powerful tools against oppressive forces. Engaging with history and embracing the arts can foster dialogue and healing in turbulent times.
Original Source: www.thenewsguard.com
