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Shell Shock

Fourth of July whistles and blasts
erratic pops sounding like shots
bring back images from my past
things I thought I had long forgot

“Mind over matter- I'm okay”
I tell myself amid the din
but pretense quickly falls away
as panic rises from within

Shattering silence in the air
this booming breaks my fragile peace
like psychological warfare
it wears me down and will not cease 

This hellish siege goes on all night 
and will go on for days and days...
primal mind caught in fight or flight
(Oblivious, to them- it's play!)


___

For some of us, holidays with fireworks (Independence Day, New Years) are no picnic.  While you enjoy the 4th, please think of others (especially veterans and others with PTSD...).  When people set off fireworks in restricted neighborhoods, there is virtually no refuge for us!

anxietyemotionsfeelingshow irhyme

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Freddie Robinson Jr.

October 29, 2019 at 3:14 PM

Delightful poem w/a PA message, Rhonda. Your words dance sweetly before my muse-seeker eyes. Bright shooting star write. Love and peace always.

Rhona Mcferran

October 30, 2019 at 12:47 AM

Thank you so much!! Love and peace to you, too, my friend! ;)

Darlene De Beaulieu

July 21, 2019 at 5:58 PM

Hello Rhonda, I do agree with you of fireworks going off all evening long. People go to sleep early. Can not sleep. Dogs and cats hide under the bed.Because they are scared. yes and the PTST have it rough to. have a nice evening my friend.

Rhona Mcferran

July 22, 2019 at 3:58 PM

Thank you, hope you have a nice day! ;)

M. L. Kiser

July 9, 2019 at 4:29 PM

We had a church nearby that was setting off these for awhile; they kept loosening our storm windows, they had such impact from 6 blocks away. The TV screen would blink; we couldn't hear what people were saying, etc., I do feel sorry for those who've been in battle, autistic and others who are deeply upset by the noise. And when one is allergic to smoke; it really does a number on you, for days afterwards. Great, thought-provoking piece.

Rhona Mcferran

July 10, 2019 at 1:39 PM

Sounds like what my neighbors set off last year- we could feel the whole house shake! Thank you! ;)

Andrea Dietrich

July 6, 2019 at 6:59 PM

So true . They just don't care!! We hear the fireworks even until the end of the month because Utah has PIONEER DAy, another excuse end of July to be doing them. uggg. At least it does not bother my dog. Last dog we had went nuts over it!!!

Rhona Mcferran

July 6, 2019 at 10:55 PM

We hear them sporadically for most of the month, too... I guess the main thrill they get is that it's illegal. That's amazing that your dog doesn't mind! We had a massive dog that turned into a whimpering, skittish baby every time... ;P

Caren Krutsinger

July 6, 2019 at 4:57 AM

We have been hearing these whistles, bangs and pops for three weeks. I always wonder how the veterans are dealing with it, and see that it is seriously disturbing my cat and dog. I do not like the 4th of July for that reason. This is a well-built, wonderful poem my friend! Thank you for thinking of the ones who will be affected the most in a disturbing way.

Rhona Mcferran

July 6, 2019 at 10:52 PM

Thank you, my friend! It is easy for me to empathize, because these holidays always end up shaking me up... and I know my experience is tame compared to what many veterans have been through. I hate the misery it inflicts on the animals, too. Our dog would go into hiding- not even wanting to eat- until it was over!

Michelle Faulkner

July 5, 2019 at 1:05 PM

Too true, my poor kitty gets so nervous on the Fourth - imagine the stress it causes the veterans it's supposed to honor (there's a piece of irony for you!)

Rhona Mcferran

July 5, 2019 at 3:02 PM

I know, right?! ;)