Almost forty-years ago, at the age of twenty-four, I went to the Philippines to act in the movie Hamburger Hill, one of a trilogy of Vietnam movies, that came out between 1986-1987 which included Platoon and Full Metal Jacket. During filming I wrote a novel/chronicle/prose-poem/military log. I never published it or even showed it to anyone, and just have recently dug it back out. This is the first few pages.
Is this you publishing that journal? I’d want to own it - truth about a shadow thrown by a monster debacle that glorified the sacrifice of young men as good as they’re having climbed the steps and lay down to have their hearts carved out. Chilling and maybe more so because it’s both celebration of the eons old killing in the name of a god who couldn’t give a fuck, not amused enough even to watch them die or be broken, and it’s powerful as it stands, your descriptions beautifully written and poignant.
“The hair of who we used to be in piles on the floor. All of us just face and nape and neck.” In juxtaposition with the hill on which young bodies were thinned to below the puppeteer who gave it up with a thought—volumes. Very glad I found your work, Tommy.
I love that picture of young handsome Tommy. Also...."aaaaahhh my shoulder my shoulder, help!" that's the only part of the movie I remember.
the last time I saw that movie I was in a crappy county detox like Tarzana or something. It was playing in the day room on cable and I remember it at giving me a sense of home and Hope and how lucky I am to have such beautiful friends.🧡
Is this you publishing that journal? I’d want to own it - truth about a shadow thrown by a monster debacle that glorified the sacrifice of young men as good as they’re having climbed the steps and lay down to have their hearts carved out. Chilling and maybe more so because it’s both celebration of the eons old killing in the name of a god who couldn’t give a fuck, not amused enough even to watch them die or be broken, and it’s powerful as it stands, your descriptions beautifully written and poignant.
astonishing ‘journaling .. & what a ‘find .. ! 🦎🏴☠️🧨
Thanks Thomas. Really nice to have you onboard.
“The hair of who we used to be in piles on the floor. All of us just face and nape and neck.” In juxtaposition with the hill on which young bodies were thinned to below the puppeteer who gave it up with a thought—volumes. Very glad I found your work, Tommy.
That movie took no prisoners. Hard core zero hero sugar coating.Devastating stuff that nobody was ready for.
That you Kolsby? Just say Paul, and I know a few.
I love that picture of young handsome Tommy. Also...."aaaaahhh my shoulder my shoulder, help!" that's the only part of the movie I remember.
the last time I saw that movie I was in a crappy county detox like Tarzana or something. It was playing in the day room on cable and I remember it at giving me a sense of home and Hope and how lucky I am to have such beautiful friends.🧡