Playing Basketball with the Viet Cong

by Kevin Bowen

Poems about the Vietnam War, its aftermath, and a veteran coming to terms with his place in postwar society. 

Genres: Poetry

63 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

Reviews

[Pachyderm Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most important book of Vietnam-era war poetry I've read since reading Yusef K.'s own offering, 'DIEN CAI DAU.'

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Bowen‘s Playing Basketball With the Viet Cong is his first collection of poems and they focus on his memories of the Vietnam War. Although there are moments of brutality and horrifying images, many of these poems intend to infuse the enemy with humanity — whether that enemy is a U.S. soldier or a member of the Viet Cong. In away these poems diverge from other war veterans’ writings in that rather than attempt to sort through mere emotional trauma, Bowen seeks to draw parallels between two nations that were once at war with one another and highlight their similarities in a way that will generate peace and forgiveness.

From “Willie, Dancing” (page 27):

When we moved south
we found comfort
nights at base in new dug bunkers,
the womb hum of generators,
artillery thud and mortars
marking time. And whiskey,

Please read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2010/10/p...