We live in a world of turmoil and deceit.
The road we travel often has many hills.
Sometimes we fall into a valley with no relief,
Giving us doubts and fears, tears and chills.
 
Holding fast to a belief that it’s all worthwhile,
Grasping an understanding of life’s wins and losses,
Enduring hardships and going that extra mile
With hope in our hearts, we overcome all causes.
 
Knowing our next turn around the corner is a win,
Mickey Mantle was once baseball’s home run king,
Known for having that record until his end.
Most strikeouts the price he paid to do his thing.
 
The young warrior flung into battle,
Fighting to survive with a heart full of fear,
Feeling alone like on a boat with no paddle,
Not prepared to die. Out slips a tear.
 
Training and school spent learning for years,
Suddenly traumatized in this shadow of death,
This agony engrained by a stream of tears,
Forced to learn in seconds, not years.
 
Recorded memories never to forget,
Ongoing future inevitable playbacks,
Haunted we live with strife and regret,
Possessing numerous PTSD flashbacks.
 
Turning to focus on learning to cope,
Avoid triggers with a replaced belief,
And with effective coping skills and hope,
Enhanced by a plan of action for relief.
 
The safety net for suicidal thoughts,
Call the Veterans Suicide Hotline @988.
They support without prejudice but do give
Great support and come “Highly Recommended.”