Shrapnel

Bombs erupt in the skin under my fingernails

And I tiptoe over land mines on my way to bed.

 
 
No one knows the battles I fight in my mind.
 
Shrapnel bursts into flames 
Before my eyes and I am back there.
Orders buzzing in ear, I try to subvert my terror.
Heart ablaze in adrenaline, 
I fight. 
Squinting before the trigger is pulled, 
I apply pressure and release a 
Storm cloud into the air. 
 
The fiery boom of my alarm clock shakes me 
Away from my nightmares of blasted limbs and
Wounded friends, I
Hear them call my name, 
Screaming from my subconscious.
I try to ignore their pleadings— 
I fail.
 

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