Worry in my heart grows in bounds as I hold you near,

We watched over the city lights as I held you so dear,

Keep me in your heart to remember and I will be here,

With you in my heart maybe I can deal with war’s fear,

I’ve learned that when with you I’m not good at goodbyes,

My will is fading to hold back tears, I’m not one who cries,

Hold my hand just a little longer while I look into your eyes,

I will be here once more I promise, I’m not one who lies,

For more than a year I’ve trained hard to make me strong,

My heart has told me for years, with you is where I belong,

But if I ran from the draft like a dodger it would be wrong,

My heart will cry out for you as I listen to every love song,

Hold me in your heart as tight as you hold my hand tonight,

I will keep you inside of me as I enter the hell of war’s fight,

Hold my hand just a little longer before we kiss goodnight,

I will be here I promise to again hold you in the moonlight,

Take one last look at me my angel I may not return the same,

I pray you will love me if I should return home lucky but lame,

The battle I must enter is not a local high school football game,

I will return I promise, I will return to ask you to take my name,

Absorb the smell of tonight and every sound that you can hear,

I’ll remember your essence my angel as I hold your photo near,

Memories of the sounds or odors are a bridge to bring me here,

I will be here when you need me, you see…..I love you my dear.

For Patti, I love you.  Written July 28, 1968