Hidden Scars

Narrative verse

 

 

Hidden scars.

 

To most of you who have not killed

 and suffer not from dreaming filled

with flash backs known to fighting men.

Who must relive the moments when

 they had no choice, they had to kill

 or be killed. Which haunt them still.

It may be they disturb your dreams

 with grunts and groans and muffled screams.

 

Be patient try to understand

these dreams they cannot countermand

 are far too vivid to ignore.

So comfort them try to restore

their sense of being here and now

 until their racing heart beats slow.

 

They say in time these flash backs fade

but until then the ghosts parade.

Across the minds of sleeping men

and drag them back from now to then.

Survivors sometimes suffer more

 than those who died whilst waging war.

The guilt they feel is all too real.

 Wounded minds are slow to heal.

 

17-Mar-08

Reviews

[Little Mouse]

Perfectly written! I was stuck on the word "guilt", sadly felt all too real. I hope those who were commanded to kill ask for God to forgive and help them release, which he will, so the wounded mind can sooner heal; this I believe.
I remember dreams often and learn from them, though I can't imagine having this one.
Thanks, yet a simple word, to ALL who serve(d)!
-:3 )~~~

[Amanda]

A well written work to express what others may never experience, though many have in this day of warfare. One cannot phantom what a person in this situation has had to endure, i can only imagine what it is like to live with the dreams. Though they are survivors, the guilt and sometimes shame is something that is hard to forget and very slow to heal. A very expressive piece.

Always,

Amanda

[None]

Such a profound poem and so precisely written! You remind us of those who still suffer from wars gone by, and of the future nightmares of those in wars now. It seems the hardest thing to do is forgive oneself to try and go on. Your exceptional poem is one I hope will be published for all to see. You hold a fantastic meter and your poem is very pensive.

[Ani Ashford]

'Survivors sometimes suffer more
than those who died whilst waging war.
The guilt they feel is all too real.
Wounded minds are slow to heal.'

I have known warriors who have returned from other wars, not appreciated by the populace. They did not return to the fanfare and ticker tape of victors of WWII.... sad that. All the anguish and pain never goes away. Now we have this latest warfare. Warriors are returning, maimed in more ways than just the physical. Let us not forget our police and medics, firefighters who have experienced some pretty harsh decisions and conditions. Your words express it well. Thank you.