PTSD

The shells that explode, leave such damage  
that bring a never ending carnage
for each war leaves its lesions
hidden deep and spreads its poisons
 
For each soldier flesh and gristle
and battle test that fighting metal
follow each snapped order faithful
commrades fallen, shot or crippled
 
Conflict hides and slowly creeps
it camouflaged in the mind so deep
dried tears the firestorm that blew  
red flashes in the panic room
 
Still hear the cries of anguish
the IED and limbs that vanished
panic attacks the ridge to conquer
friends that watch you flounder
 
Relationships the armarment thats pride
see it crumble and subside
this enemy the dream of broken sleep
a shallow trench and hear the bullets scream
 
For that train it has no stations
it speeds past every reparation
its battlements overbare self confidence
white flag surrendered innocence
 
Collateral damage, a rolling hand grenade  
find a voice, your worth is to fight with quiet outrage
it would see you rot in hell
support and comradeship are its death knell
 
Broken bones and blooded wounds
booby traps in the head consumes
a trajectory of trust see that sniper blinded
the minefield tread to a life not blighted