Buahrangers Revetment: Poety and Stories by Vietnam Veteran, Anthony W. Pahl and friends

I’ve met so many people who have helped me through my life,
professionals, laymen, preachers and most of all, my wife.
Some helped me with an open heart, other ‘cos it was their job
and there were those who seemed to feel their time I tried to rob.

But I met a lady recently who has a special gift.
She’d probably say its duty but there is more to it.
This gift she has is care; you can see it in her eyes.
You can sense her understanding if you laugh or cry.

Her smile is not a fleeting pose
her eyes reflect the warmth.
She listens with an open mind
Her words - they do not taunt.

But behind this gift she freely gives is a mind that’s very sharp.
If you tried to con her, you’d feel her angry wrath.

Louise, you’re a lovely lady
Please don’t ever lose this gift.
Don’t ever lose your sense of life
It’s a better world with it.

©Anthony W. Pahl
2nd July 1993

During my stay in Ward 17, the Psychiatric Ward of the Repatriation Hospital at Heidelberg, for seven weeks in 1993. Louise “Smokey” Dawson was my Doctor. She always had a smile and a kind word and nothing seemed too much trouble - she made me feel that I was worth something, and that was indeed an accomplishment.

To her I dedicate this poem.

Page created: Tuesday, 11 December 2001


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