To: President Bill Clinton
The White House
From: Linh Duy Vo,
An American citizen
Wednesday, 24 February 1999
"When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses."
--John F. Kennedy, speech (Amherst College, October 26, 1963)
My dear Mr. President:
I am very moved by the above quotation of President John F. Kennedy. I never had the
honor of shaking his hand, but I can feel his voice, "Son, write a poem to your President."
Here it is.
If it helps you in a short, silent moment, I can say to our beloved America, "Thank you for caring for me; I am proud to be your adopted son."
Healing
Why have I gotten into this mess?
In God We Trust; one trusted not in Him
Lustful desire burned his conscience
Love withdrew into its solitude
I am the 42nd President
A most graceful land on Planet Earth
My luck has brought me this far
Just to see countless faces
Ever feeling pain
For my blunt denial
For my lack of guts
Ever sorrowful
Roulette I played; America paid
Soul searching, I must come to terms
Of my dear ones who held back tears
Nation in search of healing
Can I now be totally contrite?
Losing the trust of the soldiers who are protecting my country
I let them down, the Viet Vets and their posterity
Now regretting my having despised the war they went into for peace
To take it back, I must give my soul to God
On the Eve of the 21st Century; in you, God, I trust
Now holding this poem in my heart; written in my name...
Linh Duy Vo
(The Boy in the Poem)
February 1999 ©
See "Letter to Citizens of the World"
© Copyright by Linh Duy Vo. All rights reserved.