Reflecting on Vietnam: 50 Years Later and the Power of Poetry in Resistance
As Vietnam marks the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, the article reflects on personal trauma, the war’s lingering impacts, and the intersection of poetry and activism against the backdrop of modern political strife. It discusses the role of artistic expression as a form of resistance in an increasingly tumultuous world.
In commemoration of the ongoing reflection surrounding the Vietnam War, I recall the traumatic moment my family received the phone call about my father’s severe injury in 1969. At just 13 years old, I experienced strife at school due to my anti-war stance amid the escalating conflict in Indochina. I perceived early on that American involvement in Vietnam was deeply flawed, influenced by the contradictory myths of war, such as the domino theory.
Flying into Vietnam recently felt surreal, as I was enveloped in the lush greenery, clouds, and the shimmering waterways below, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Upon arriving and traveling through the picturesque rice paddies, tended by women wearing conical hats, the vibrant sights and sounds told me I was far from home, perhaps lost in a bygone era. The air was thick with an unsettling edge—strangely reminiscent of warfare.
April marks the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, and as I note the one-time horrors of that event, I also observe the relentless push for war among today’s political landscape, particularly from the Trump administration and some Democrats. My Lai, a notorious massacre, feels echoed in the current situation unfolding in Palestine, characterized by brutal violence and the evident sins of war—an open display of violence against innocents including medical staff and journalists.
This predicament underscores a disturbing trend, exemplified by provocative foreign policy aims against nations like China and Iran, and even thoughts of invading neighboring countries. Our discourse on the Monroe Doctrine has grown alarmingly reckless. This moment of reflection coincides with National Poetry Month, emphasizing the role of poetry as a counter-narrative against the war rhetoric, especially in a seemingly fascistic era under figures such as Elon Musk.
During a recent interview with former Oregon poet laureate Kim Stafford, we discussed the intertwined nature of poetry and politics, particularly in times like these. He read his poem, “Gaza, the Sound of Rain,” which poignantly captures the grief witnessed in war-torn regions. Stafford’s sentiments resonate deeply: “My friend writes from where she cries until/… the sound of rain.”
My trip to Vietnam initially centered around biodiversity research—exploring bat caves and vast forests while helping local biologists. This venture, however, forced me to confront profound feelings of guilt associated with America’s role in Vietnam, a place where 6 million lives were lost, many casualties of ecocide inflicted through brutal warfare methods, including dioxin poisoning.
Yusef Komunyakaa’s poem, “Camouflaging the Chimera,” artfully encapsulates the haunting memories of the Vietnam War, reminding us of the interconnected experiences of soldiers and the environments in which they fought. It reflects a shared consciousness of survival, as nature itself bears witness to the strife—a silent yet powerful narrative.
Kim Stafford has spent nearly five decades teaching at Lewis and Clark College, and his anti-war stance echoes that of his father. He expresses concerns about the challenging reality of our current times through his work, emphasizing that even from grief, creativity can emerge. “When you hit rock bottom, dig farther down,” he writes.
For our younger audience, many find comfort in the natural beauty of our coastlines, where they search for signs of wildlife, perhaps echoing the melodies of unseen songbirds. But as history shows, humanity is often driven to conflict, a duty called upon citizens, as highlighted by Thomas Jefferson. Poetry thus serves as a powerful tool to counteract the bleakness of fascism, embodying hope for communities wide and far as we endeavor to stave off collective heartache.
The reflections on Vietnam 50 years after the war’s most pivotal moments highlight both personal trauma and broader political ramifications. The critical exploration of poetry as a vehicle for resistance and healing underscores the lasting impact of war on individuals and society. In times of uncertainty and political strife, the power of creative expression offers solace and mobilizes action against oppressive forces, emphasizing the necessity of art in historical remembrance and contemporary resistance.
Original Source: www.thenewsguard.com
