Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The war is over, The battle is won.
Tired and victorious, a soldier can collapse
He may reunite with his family, his wife and son
No more grenades and bombs, no plans or maps

But the war goes on, behind his eyes
Relief suppressed, mind alert
His dreams are consumed by the blood and cries
Of those whom he killed and those left hurt

Alone at night, the battle rages
Singular in purpose, to constantly haunt
And it will continue through the ages
To punish the soldier, to jeer and taunt

Adrenaline pumping, till its uncontrollable
His brain tries to explain, his body does not heed
Images burnt into his skull make him unable
To rest, and find the peace that he needs

One day, Exhausted, he will no longer decay
With paranoia filling him to the brink
And like a flood all the hurt and guilt wash away
As the peace and relief begin to sink in

But till that day, this carries on
Him fighting a battle he just cannot win
Hopeless and confused, conflicted and torn
He repents for his ordered sin