Returning Soldier

Dedicated to a dear friend, who felt let down by a nation he helped to protect, and was honoured to serve. An innocent mind — ripped apart, Like a Ripper’s victim, Bleeding in the dark. The light drains from his eyes; He’s losing his spark. This is the mindset Of a tortured soldier — The war is over, But the battle smolders. His spirit is lost, Fear still clings, Every day haunted By death’s cold wings. He’s tired of wrestling his inner beast. Dark thoughts pierce him — Judas at the final feast. The beast impales him; No hope, no release. Inside he’s shattered, His soul — deceased. His emotions rot beneath his skin. Familiar pieces leaking out within. A face with no joy, A heart drowned in sin — Only twenty years old, And missing a limb. A boy who once bloomed, Petals soft as a rose — Now bleeds hate and despair Through every vein he knows. Outside he’s harmless, Inside he’s cold — A condemned man Whose heart won’t grow old.