Submitted by: Jim Janssen

Category: Poetry

When I was young I had a dream
Taken away by those that made me scream
Always wanting to be just me and free
Held down to the ground by Mr. PTSD

And as the years passed by
I wandered in a fog with a sigh
Not knowing that taking these pills
Would add deep valleys and hills

Searching for a way to escape
This life of anger, pain, and hate
Alone I am in a sea of anguish
Memories flood I wish would vanquish

Lost the love of my life
The cost of my outbursts and strife
Tears fill my eyes as I dial 8255
Faded hope, can't cope, why survive?

But do I give up? NOOOOOOOOO. NEVER NEVER
NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER

Dying is easy. Living is hard
Death is permanent with no way back
Life is being a warrior continuing the fight no matter the odds
Ever experience a demon on your left shoulder and an Angel on your right?
There they are talking in my ears.
Demon says do it. It's worth it . You'll like it.
Angel says don't do it. You'll pay a high price for a very very long time.
I am a warrior and you are too. Fight the fight. Never quit. The taste of
victory in the end with be just that much sweeter. Sweeter than you can
imagine. We fought before. And we will again.
Go in peace brothers and sisters. From my heart to yours may I convey best wishes for each one of you.

About the author:

Submitted by Jim Janssen. Complex PTSD from military and non military but so what? I survived. I took an oath as we all did when joining the service. We swore to defend our country. An oath I took to heart as a lifetime commitment. And I have the right to fight for myself as well. And fight I will until it is time to lay down my sword.