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.

Published on Wednesday, December 26, 2007. Filed under: "Personal" and "Poetry"

Awards

August 24th, 2019

Comments on "A plea to old soldiers, and the new alike."

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.
On Sunday, September 30, 2012, BetaWolfinVA (791) 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
On Sunday, April 8, 2012, violetdarkness (50) wrote:

excellent work...
On Friday, December 10, 2010, Malcholm Dark (806) 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
On Friday, March 12, 2010, HeadpatSlut (257) 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.
On Saturday, December 29, 2007, Niemand (355) wrote:

This gave me shivers, very raw, great write.-Gin
On Friday, December 28, 2007, NikesRain (1240) 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.
On Thursday, December 27, 2007, Winter Born (169) wrote:

explain please, what are Exacutive Decisions?
On Wednesday, December 26, 2007, Aunty Depressant (423) 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.