Carrying the Darkness: The Poetry of the Vietnam War

This collection contains an excellent variety of poetry about the Vietnam War. Some of the poems are quite touching, while others reveal harsh experiences soldiers faced, occasionally using crass expressions. As editor W.D. Ehrhart points out, authors range from war veterans to those who were draft resisters and activists, as well as "living-room observers." Some of the poets include Robert Bly, John Balaban, Yusef Komunyakaa, Walter McDonald, David Mura, Bruce Weigl, and Ehrhart himself. Helpful to readers is a glossary of terms that explains expressions common to Vietnam war vernacular. Also helpful is the autobiographical information on the authors in the back of the book which clarifies who was/was not an actual soldier in the war. As an English teacher I found this book a good source for poems I could use in the classroom.