Eye of a Boot gives the reader an experience of being in the boots of a Marine grunt in the Vietnam War. Beginning with his first combat action at night in December of 1967, the author describes his thoughts, feelings and actions. Whether engaged with the enemy or struggling with the harsh conditions of the environment, he offers detailed descriptions. Each of nineteen chapters begins with an original poem that relates to its subsequent story. Lilly chose to use the progressive present tense to record these encounters so that you, too, can experience the sense of urgency, confusion, and intimacy of being there.