THE GREEN DRAGON

In the air,
was a great green bird.
We watched it approach,
no-one said a word.

Flash back,
to 1972.
Flash back,
our years were so few.

Oh ye great green dragon,
savior from the skies.
Death from above,
was our cry.

Sounds of the blade,
echoes thru our mind.
Old warriors,
descending dragon finds.

Hearts beat loudly,
eyes have tears.
Echoes of the blades,
transcend the years.

Warriors we were,
we stood before the beast.
Warriors we remain,
in the hearts at least.

One green dragon,
509 still flies high.
Death from above,
was her cry.

Bullet holes,
blood in her past.
Healing wounds now,
she's a fine lass.

Dragon from the sky,
KIAs on her side.
A proud war bird,
nothing to hide.

Young men died,
flying on this bird.
Fighting for peace,
was the word.

Old men,
with tears in their eyes.
Watched her approach,
waiting to say their good byes...

Thanks Phil, Rob, Simon, Neil, and Bradley

As some of you know, I went to England last month to be reunited with one of the helicopters from my assault helicopter unit in Vietnam. It's taken a month of percolating in my brain, but this is what I came up with as a thank you and it's from the heart. Phil, in his kindness, posted it on his "509" Huey site. I would be very proud indeed, if this could be posted with my writing (Tony and Woody) and I could tell him to go look at his helicopter. It's about the first sight and sound from this bird, after 30 plus years.

Thank you.

Oh, Phil flies it now and asks for donations for children charities at the air shows he attends.