A plea to old soldiers, and the new alike.

By Winter Born

Do you ever wake in the night,
Clammy wet with sweat,
and a choked off scream?

No memory of the nightmare,
No memory of the dream,
Whispers in the dark
Nothing but shadows and steam...

Fire in your mind
burning,
scortching,
trying to be seen.

Gasping for breath,
while looking up,
looking at blank ceiling,
or a loved one's wide eyes...

The hurt you see
When you cannot tell them
What woke you,
Or why you lash out so hard.

Looking for a remedy
Looking for a cure,
too many of us feel these flames
for there to be no way.

Someone knows,
Someone hears,
A light in the darkness
A chance at some cheer...

I want to know the way
I wish to find the path
Tell me how...

Please...

Tell me how...

Unauthorized Copying Is Prohibited. Ask the author first.
© 2007 Winter Born
Published on Wednesday, December 26, 2007.     Filed under: "Personal" and "Poetry"
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Comments on "A plea to old soldiers, and the new alike."

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  • A former member wrote: Wow. So many of those who have not served have a very difficult time trying to understand, to any degree, the feelings of those who have. This is strong and expressive and helps give insight into the hearts and minds of those haunted. This is a great poem. You've found a wonderful outlet, and I hope you'll continue your writing.

  • BetaWolfinVA On Sunday, September 30, 2012, BetaWolfinVA (795)By person wrote:

    very powerful, thank u for your service, some times i am glad that the did not take me, most times i wish that they had Scholar

  • violetdarkness On Sunday, April 8, 2012, violetdarkness (50)By person wrote:

    excellent work...

  • Malcholm Dark On Friday, December 10, 2010, Malcholm Dark (810)By person wrote:

    Bravo... a fine and perfect piece... I, being ex-military my self can fully appreciate this poem... I wrote some pieces as well... check them out.. well done, write on

  • HeadpatSlut On Friday, March 12, 2010, HeadpatSlut (259)By person wrote:

    I'm just close to getting out of High School, never been to War and a recruiter said that my having Autism would prevent me from joining. That being said though, I've had my share of Battles. I've been shot at and done a lot of the same things you have. I know what it's like to suffer this kind of thing, and I think you do a really good job of portraying that here. Much Clown Love and respect for what you've done, and may the Gods bless this fine country of ours. Scholar

  • Niemand On Saturday, December 29, 2007, Niemand (361)By person wrote:

    This gave me shivers, very raw, great write.-Gin

  • NikesRain On Friday, December 28, 2007, NikesRain (1298)By person wrote:

    forceful and honest.... a raw look into an affliction too many know and some can not even begin to imagine... my heart and thoughts are with you and hope you find a way to ease this condition... respect always for your sacrifice ~D

  • A former member wrote: If I were you I'd try Executive Decisions. You're broken and no shrink can fix you......sorry. Shell shock does that.

  • Winter Born On Thursday, December 27, 2007, Winter Born (169)By person wrote:

    explain please, what are Exacutive Decisions?

  • Aunty Depressant On Wednesday, December 26, 2007, Aunty Depressant (434)By person wrote:

    Powerfully strong longing emoted here. I assume PTSD from battle is the topic. I've heard of some things that help, but not sure if they are snake oil. Hypnotherapy (actually did ease my PTSD in another situation)and a thing called EFT claims to have helped Vets that suffer. Good luck,...may peace find you and others that suffer. May we all be at peace.

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