Here's a breakdown of the excerpt:
* "We hugged bamboo and amp leaned against a breeze off river slow-dragging with ghosts": This line evokes a sense of displacement and disconnection. The "we" suggests a shared experience, but the pronouns are ambiguous – who are "we"? Are they soldiers, or perhaps a group of spirits? The image of "hugging bamboo" implies a desire for connection and shelter, while the "breeze off river" hints at a sense of movement and time passing.
* "Saigon to Bangkok women?": This question adds another layer of ambiguity. It's unclear if the speaker is directly addressing someone, or if this is a stream of consciousness thought. "Saigon to Bangkok" suggests a journey, but one that is incomplete. The "women?" at the end leaves the question hanging, implying a possible connection between the speaker's experience and the women of these cities, but we don't know the nature of that connection.
Overall, the excerpt:
* Creates a sense of confusion and disorientation: The fragmented syntax and lack of punctuation contribute to this feeling.
* Uses evocative imagery: The imagery of hugging bamboo, the river breeze, and the "ghosts" creates a powerful and sensory experience.
* Implies a deeper story: The fragmented nature of the excerpt leaves the reader wanting to know more. What happened? What are the connections between the "we," the bamboo, the river, and the women of Saigon and Bangkok?
Komunyakaa often uses his poetry to explore the psychological impact of war, and this excerpt is a powerful example of that. It captures the fragmented memories, the surreal experiences, and the lingering questions that haunt soldiers long after they return home.