Almost,

I almost feel,

Is almost the word

For that unwinnable war.

Next year will be twenty

Years – today almost two decades –

Since I waded into that one 

With —  Kipling would shudder –

Canvass-topped boots,

Almost the trooper that

Almost a year there would 

Almost make of anyone lucky

Enough to survive it,

Which we,

Almost,

All did.

Circa 1986 Memphis