War Damage

How war damages us all

Living on the leftover scraps
of her impossible dreams
I hear a child crying,
trapped under the rubble
of her destroyed heart

She dresses in colors
of deep reds
and dark blues
As if she wanted to look
like a bruise

I want to cry
like a nine year old girl
over a dying pet

I used to keep my heart
locked safe in a steel vault,
Safe,
Saved
I have learned since then,
I've grown

An imprisoned heart
cannot breathe
Now I keep it
in a bullet proof vest
Strong but flexible
At least
I will survive

Doug Palmer