Tattered Soldier

Mortared by lies,
Consumed by rage,
Legs pumping,
Heart racing,
Can’t stop because you’re watching.

Darkened skies,
Rough waters,
Gunpowder for breath,
Saturated with sweat,
Can’t stop because you’re closing in.

Suppressive fire,
Hissing rounds,
Screaming missiles,
Heavy impact,
Your will is my duty, can’t support the weight.

Hateful tears,
Gritting my teeth,
A caged animal inside,
Splintered bones,
Flexing muscles,
My soul slipping away because you’ve created me.

Body armor shed,
Bullet wounds dripping,
Skinned knees,
Torn clothing,
Can’t fight you anymore.

Ammo expended,
Truth becomes lies,
Lies become bombs,
Every word out of your mouth,
A bomb to dodge.

Sleeping in agony,
Living in hell,
Screams are my only communication,
Frustration is my only emotion,
This is not who I am.

I swing at your face,
Your jaw cracks,
My pack falls to the ground,
This is me taking back,
What you have stolen from my soul.