Veteren

I’m braced for the blows in this hidden war zone, 

Where rules are uncertain and reasons unknown 

The damage runs deeper than yet I can tell-  

The memories are etched, of each new time you fell. 

How could I escape when your time bomb of pain, 

Exploded with anger again and again? 

 

With shrapnel words screeching, still seeking me out, 

And barbed wire opening veins full of doubt,  

I’m tempted to give up and sink in despair, 

So fatigued from the search light’s flickering flare, 

Lit bright for a moment then fading away, 

As hope glimmers briefly returning to grey. 

 

So long locked away so the bruises could fade  

Dismissing the truth with this neat masquerade  

Long after impact, internally bleeding,   

Used to the ache, but I’m shaking and needing-   

Someone to stand for me and fight at my side, 

I prayed for an ally to comfort and guide. 

 

Now there is victory, everything’s changing,  

The smoke from the guns is clearing and fading, 

And Love once more triumphs, expressed in my tears, 

He’s burning away all the taunting of years-  

Residing in trenches, so used to their mud, 

With cold dampness creeping, and chilling my blood.   

 

This morning I realise my heart’s not failing, 

Always prepared for the sirens tired wailing,        

Or safe in the light now, relying on gleams-  

From matches that burn out extinguishing dreams, 

I find I can breathe now, inhale deep and clear, 

No shallow gasps gulped as the poison drew near. 

 

So as the sun rises, lest I will forget, 

The Saviour Redeemer who rescues me yet, 

It wasn’t my bravery, some feat of skill, 

But One Father’s gift and His Son’s act of will. 

I’m freed from the past. with a future secure

And living in freedom of life after war.