Nightime Terrors

Standing proud
Head held high
Watching the civilians pass by

Hoping soon
That the horrors will fad
Back into the hell holes that they appeared

It’s been a long time
Since it really happened
But with each new night a new kill appears

When I find that I can’t stay awake
And finally succumb to my nighttime terror
I hardly make it through the next day

The smell of copper on the glistening grass
Blood dried so thick it look of clay
The sounds of my comrades fading away

We’re in a new land
With toys to play
Though our play is not as it seems

Metal as cold as a December’s day
And plenty bullets to shoot away
We hid in shrubs to find a way

Nighttimes fallen and
Enemies come out
Everything’s unnatural sound

The order’s given
I must obey
Soon the sky is bright as day

We’re told to go forward
And kill all there
No matter who is there

Slowly I move
Finding enemies
Hiding their families

Tightening my grip
Breathing slowly
Doing what I must

The cries of despair
The smell of death
All of it is a bloody mess

Now I’m home
And back to life
Though it’s harder to function

I was praised when I cam home
Greeted like a Hero
And idolized

I did it for freedom
I did it for family
I did it for life

But none of that
Comes back to me
Late at night