Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

He has trouble sleeping, and when he does, his fingers twitch
on invisible triggers. --“The War Within,” Matthew Stannard

This was our first night out, a chance to be
Alone. She smiled across the dinner table
And touched my hand. The waiter winked at me.
I squeezed her hand and said, “I love you Crystal.”
Just then I saw the hand grenade roll past.
I dove and hugged it to my chest and waited,
Waited and waited, waited for the blast
To tear my body, as its force is blunted.
"Say Mister, can I have my apple, please?”
The girl implored. I moved my overlapping
Arms--saw the apple. I saw horror freeze
On Crystal’s face. A brave Marine stood clapping.
I couldn’t figure out what I was hearing.
The whole sedate, expensive place was cheering!

Dedicated to James Miller, "The Marlboro Man of Fallujah"