i wake up from a dream
of a war that i have never been a part of
scratches on my arms from
running, chasing, hiding
an imaginary enemy
i am fighting
without weapons
without safety
without reason
the air conditioner hums and cools
the beads of sweat on my brow
the hostile branches i realize
are just clingy sheets
i am surrendering
without fear
without aggression
without pain
i allow the fatigue to overtake me
the luxury of protected sleep
the luxury of protected sleep
enwraps me as a warm blanket
tonight i don't have to fight
because someone else is
without name
without recognition
without hesitating
This is my first entry for Poetry Slam. Thank you for listening. Thank you for hearing. Thank you for remembering.
16 comments:
beautiful.
Very powerful - mine is about war too, sort of.
A somber reminder of war and the horror for soldier and family - each praying for a safe return.
There is strength in your words. Impressive piece.
Very beautiful and intense.
Sleep brings nightmares so that to waken brings relief - you've expressed it so well.
we used to play war in the woods out back...fighting imaginary foes...i am thankful for those that throw themselves in the way of the real ones...great write...
What a wonderful poem, Templeton. Welcome to the Jam!
Beautiful and touching. you have such a great talent. Good luck!
Nobody could have said it better. Just beautiful.....
Very moving, especially if this is supposed to be your first slam. Love the wording and how it flows so well together.
Sara
As Poets United reaches its first anniversary this coming week we want to thank you for your support. Over the past year we have grown to 250 members plus and are steadily growing. Poets United is proud to have you as one of our members and look forward to another successful year. You imagination, creativity and willingness to share with us is what makes our community such a wonderful place. Thank you for beautiful poetry and thank you for being a part of Poets United.
This is a vivid piece. I'm late getting around but am glad I got here to read your poem.
Very nice poem and I like the illustration too! W.C.C.
I want to second that. Your drawing and poem are powerful together!
Indie
Thank God for our service men and women who are keeping watch while we sleep. Beautifully written.
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