Beneath the Veneer
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~his strength~
Paul is a recent lone survivor
of a plane crash.
A few of those perished,
his close friends. He's attended
a cavalcade of funerals in just a month.
Outwardly, he seems fine;
He handles the persistent pain
and burns throughout his body
better than expected.
He tries the best he can
to adjust to a new normal.
He puts on a brave face publicly
as he keeps up appearances
here and there. Superficially,
the face of strength and resilience.
~his fragility~
Yet in the loneliness of night
he's haunted by the last screams
of his perished passengers.
He wakes in the dead of night
screaming himself. He's wrestling
with gnawing demons; beset with
insomnia and a crippling anxiety
as survivor's guilt takes hold.
He hides behind his smiles
and sense of humor, but
in actuality, he's struggling
to cope with the aftermath
mentally, emotionally
and psychologically. He regrets
that he survived; a walking casualty.
Juxtaposition Poetry Contest (Winner: 2nd Place)
Sponsored by Silent One
Date written: 11/23/2020
Copyright © Edward Ibeh | Year Posted 2020
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