The Southeast Asian book of the dead

the long version

This book is a collection of hard edged poetry by Vietnam Veteran Bill Shields. The subject matter is dark and painful. It gives the reader a glimpse of the emotional toll of war. Shields describes experiences, both post-war and while on duty, using language that connects the reader intimately to the pain and tragedy of being asked to survive in a non-stop killing zone, and then being asked to go home like nothing happened. Obviously no one can do that. Although no one but a combat veteran can really understand the pain of sacrificing a piece of your soul for your country's military, this book gives the reader an appreciation of what a veteran has sacrificed. It's not an easy read -- this is not pleasant material; but, it is a very important book and a must-read.