Distant Battles

Battles fought,

Blood shed,

           Shots echo in the past.

A lonely canon,

High atop a distant hill.

Mist creeps in,

Through trees and rock,

Guarding lost secrets.

            I hear it all,

The whispers of people,

The commands of leaders.

When I shut my eyes,

My heart sounds like a drum,

Matches the tempo of machines.

A thump and a beep,

Repeating through time.

            My mind is slowing,

Pain is over bearing,

The dancing line flattens.

Memories break apart,

Gaps go unfilled.

Thunder rumbles,

              Lightning strikes,

                      Pulled back by my nerves.

The smell of death lingers,

Alcohol, burnt hair, fresh linens.

            Welcome home.