Tourniquet

Like a caterpillar, I snuggle Into three warm layers. I’ve Built my cocoon, shield from The elements for a few sweet hours; In my simple sarcophagus, Only nightmares can catch me now. Infiltrated by bombs and guns, No shelter. Smoke, haze grey, Breaths short and rough, splattered with dirt and debris. Left leg gone. Bright red silk pools. Training takes over. The day brought strong stable hands, Commanding the sleek black band. Assured by its presence…I am deceived. A defiant monstrosity. unyielding, strict, Resistant to the commands. Placed loosely. Twist, twist, twist. Not tight enough. A lake of red swallowing the missing limb. The heart racing to pump the missing fluid. The breaths quickening. BEEP BEEP BEEP. 0600 Reveille This mummy unravels, The night’s hieroglyphs unwritten.