Living In Fear

How do I handle, the devastating cost?
Of innocent lives, that have heartbreakingly been lost!
I chose to defend, my country for you,
Now I have done, all I can possibly do.
I’ve seen atrocities, I’ve killed other men,
I’m back home now, but I dream of it now and then.
I wake up screaming in the middle of the night,
My family can’t sleep, because they’re filled with fright.
Every single day, I live with my fears,
No one will see me, when I shed unmanly tears.
You’ve left me to suffer and to fend for myself,
Now I’m exhausted and broken, you’ve put me on the shelf.
I’m no longer of use to you, with my battle scars,
Mine aren’t visible, I keep them locked behind bars.
I don’t want to discuss them, why can’t you just see,
I won’t start popping pills, please just let me be.
At least you can sleep at night, in your nice warm bed,
As for me I just lie here, with disturbing visions in my head.
I will get through it, I will find my own way,
I have to live with this now, every minute of every day.
So when you next recruit someone, please remember me,
Don’t just tell them, “What will be, will be”.
Give them the facts, be honest, open and true,
When they come home from war, make sure you
see them through.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
October 24, 2016 at 6:46 AM
Yeah I bet the vets would really appreciate this too Kay. Or would it be too close for comfort so to speak. Great write Kay. Awesome.
Roberts Avatar
October 24, 2016 at 6:55 AM
Thanks Rick. A friend of mine showed this to her son, he's spent some time in Iraq, during his time in the forces. He said it was spot on. This poem has been shared on PTSD and Ex-Vets pages. It's had nothing but positive responses. Some said it brought comfort, knowing someone who hasn't been there understands. Keep Well.
Sands Avatar
October 21, 2016 at 6:30 AM
Kay. Thank you for leading me to this poem of yours. Great writing! I can completely identify with this. This is so powerful too. Take care
Roberts Avatar
October 21, 2016 at 12:31 PM
Thank you Heidi. I hope your identification with this poem isn't too hard to bear. I try to put myself in to the mind set of someone, who has been there and done it. I can tune in to people's emotions, just by listening to them and watching their body language. I've cried and I've laughed while writing, which I think is the best part of writing. Take Care
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