Beyond Saigon River
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CHAPTER 1
THE NIGHT WE LEFT SAIGON
Leaving or staying —
both require courage.
I fled my country in 1975,
A young ARVN sailor of twenty-five.
Decades later, now you know my age;
My remaining life is like an old silkworm’s fate.
On that fateful night of April 29, 1975,
We sneaked out of Saigon before midnight.
Bạch Đằng Naval Pier was sinking in the dark.
Our ship, a buzzing hive , ready to embark.
Refugees clung to hope in their weary eyes.
A yellow flag in the distance was still waving high.
The ship crew was steadfast in their duty,
Ready to flee as Saigon was under siege.
The crew concentrated on their tasks
Upon orders to sail off fast.
The ship thrust the waves aside
As it tried to race with the river on its low tide.
We arrived at Vũng Tàu seaport by daybreak,
The air of suspension seemed to suffocate.
While we awaited for the inevitable news,
Saigon’s surrender — we already knew.
“I’m President Dương Văn Minh,
Calling all soldiers of the ARVN:
“Lay down your arms for the sake of peace.”
North Vietnamese army has overrun our city.”
A final chapter of a twenty-year conflict
That ended like a train coming to a screeching halt.
My dog tag was still clinging on my neck
While my Navy uniform begged to be shed.
CHAPTER 14
WELCOME TO OUR COUNTRY!
Americans fought the war in Vietnam to halt communism.
But a Marine’s kindness won my heart.
One night, a customer said something with grace,
As I carved roast beef at a steady pace.
After he left, the words came through,
“Welcome to our country,” unexpectedly.
Elated, I ran to his car outside,
“Thank you, sir,” with joy, I almost cried.
Shook his hand, my gratitude to show,
For the kindness he’d bestowed.
He served one tour in Vietnam’s land,
A Marine turned civilian, now a humble man.
First heartfelt welcome I did receive,
From an American Marine, I believe.
How precious those words that melted my heart,
A sincere welcome, a perfect start.
Americans fought the war in Vietnam’s every part,
But a Marine’s kindness alone won my heart.
Volunteered in Church every Sunday before work,
Mondays spent time with Pastor Jim whenever I could.
Conversational skills and faith to explore,
Trinity Lutheran beliefs I needed to learn more.
Pastor Jim said, “America’s free”,
Don’t get stuck slicing meat, you see.
“Busboy’s job is just for young needs,
Making the money that their life feeds.”
“Think about your future, find your way,
Learn a trade, support yourself one day.
Car mechanic or any skill to thrive.”
Little did he know, my goal was to survive.