The air tastes of copper and diesel.
Dust hangs, refusing to settle.
Sound booms,
too loud, then muffled,
then shrill in one ear.
Trigger finger moves without thought,
muscle memory outlasting reason.
The ground trembles.
Someone is screaming,
or maybe it’s static—
or maybe it’s you.
Seconds last hours,
hours collapse into nothing.
You make a choice
or the choice makes itself
and afterward, neither matters.
The body remembers
what the mind refuses:
the weight of another’s breath stopping,
the particular way light changes
when everything changes,
the acrid taste of your own fear.
Home is not the place you left.
An immortal chasm
between the person you were
and who returned.
Beyond the battlefield,
roses bloom and children play.
In sleepless dreams,
phantoms prod invisible wounds.
Author’s Notes:
As we commemorate and honor veterans on Veteran’s Day, we are mindful that, for many, the struggle continues.
Jamison,
I am stunned by the eloquence of your words!
Having worked, as an RN, caring for Vietnam Vets on a locked ward at the Veterans Hospital. I can tell you every sensory observation is true.
Those brave warriors left to fight for our country as proud young lads…many were classmates of mine, or from families in town.
The men who I had the privilege to care for were mere shells of who they once were.
I will never forget someone dropping their lunch tray…and watching 35 men dive to the floor, hands over their heads.
I went home every night.
I felt the cool Autumn breeze, heard the children laughing.
That locked ward was their forever PTSD world.
None of them would ever be able to live in the country they fought for.
We owe them our respect, our love, our dignity, and our compassion!
Thank you so much for giving them a voice.
Bravo!
All the senses are working together to create a very vivid picture of war, Beautifully done as I could feel what was happening.
There is no “beyond” the battlefield for many veterans. The phantoms follow them home.
Thank you for feeling this one, Jane.
You always present thoughts to ponder . Thank you sharing.
Thank you, Ann. I enjoy giving you something to think about. The challenge is to do it with minimal words. I appreciate you reading so thoughtfully.
Wow! What a tribute on Veterans day to those who continue the battle. I agree with others, this should be published. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Paula. Interestingly, I am working on a publishing opportunity. I’m not sure it’s the way I want to go—yet. But I am especially grateful for your encouragement and support.
Beautifully worded real life war time feelings and situations that many of our veterans have been fortunate enough to have lived through, but sadly not fortunate enough to escape the trauma, memories and invisible wounds they are left to live with.
So true. The battle still rages for many of our veterans. It’s a shame that we sometimes take their sacrifice for granted.
As always, thank you, Pat.
Another great writing. Your work makes me think beyond what I usually do when reading short stories. I will explain next time we talk. Keep up the wonderful writing.
Dick, your comments are especially encouraging. I enjoy writing these short, impactful pieces. In our world, readers are busy, and time is precious. But there is a reward in these pieces for those who take the time to think through them—like you do.
you certainly have a way with words and especially descriptive words! That, in my opinion, makes your works so enjoyable to read. Please keep up the good work.
Thank you, Judy. You have a way with words too—kind, encouraging, helpful. I am grateful for you.
Ditto to Jane’s comments. Your writings are so meaningful and should be published for all to enjoy. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Many thanks, Katherine. The machines are gaining, and it’s difficult to find publishing space. But the website is growing in spite of the competition. I’m grateful for your amazing encouragement and support.
Very powerful, really a poem rather than prose. Send this to a magazine for publication!
I like this one, too. We’ll see if there is interest. Thank you, Jane.