The Silhouette and the Soldier

He stands on trembling legs, staring blankly out the east window; the anvil in his chest, pounding echo's of war.
Clad in military blues, an array of brass well dones and hero's ribbons crowd his now ill fitted jacket.
Amber lamplight casts the silhouette of a brave soldier at attention, arm raised in salute along his lonely, constricting walls.

He knows she will be arriving soon.
Will he stay and welcome her or will he go, leaving her only a memory?
She has brought him both joy and peace, and the depression and pain that lays hidden deep in his soul.

The decision rages fierce on the battlefield that is his mind.
Trembling, beads of consequences dot his pallid, frail face.

Stay..................... Go

Stay......... Go

In the distance, he sees her approaching. 
He glimpses her soft pink blush, then her golden glow that melts and warms his heart.

Stay...... She is hope.
Go......... She is pain.

Stay, she is here for you....
She is a new beginning...
She is a chance...

She is...................... 

A new day.....

Slowly, his trembling legs steady; his decision made.

The silhouette lowers his salute.

The soldier lowers his gun.

He will stay...
He will live to fight depression and pain, in hopes of once again knowing joy and peace for at least one more day.....
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Nance Avatar
May 6, 2016 at 7:25 PM
It is a hard fight, not only fighting for country and honor, but fighting the depression and pain inside. Great write Arlene.
Smith Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 3:46 PM
A great poem Arlene. This is a tough subject to write about and so many are afflicted with post traumatic syndrome and depression. I pray for them all.
Smith Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 7:38 PM
Thank you so much for the visit and nice comments, dear friend.,. I also pray for them...
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