Seven Army Values

Few people see my medals.
Even fewer see my scars.
I spent my deployment money.
On booze, women and fast cars.

I came home from the war.
Something I thought I longed to do.
But the battles far from over.
Since I came to find you weren't true.

Then I'm out here with my family.
They all tell me welcome home.
It's funny, all these faces...
Yet somehow I'm all alone.

I sit there in the silence.
Well to you that's how it seems.
Truth be told I'm reliving.
All the blood and violent scenes.

So I sought the help "I needed"
To relieve me of this war.
But the talks, the pills, the therapy.
Just opens a darker door.

I walked through it, I admit, blindly.
Just hoping for the peace.
Little did I know.
It would show my true disease.

Now I sit inside my mind.
In a cell made just for me.
They say I broken down.
Gave into insanity.

But injecting me with poisons.
Telling me I'm not to blame.
Has only fed into my torment.
Only wrapped my soul in shame.

Loyalty I'd given.
Duty I had followed.
Respect I thought I had.
I found was only borrowed.
Selfless service, I gave all.
Honor I proved, I'd shown.
Integrity I engulfed myself.
Even after I lost my own.
Personal courage, the one thing.
I seem to be without.
These Seven Army Values.
They've killed me, there's no doubt.

But I took that oath in favor.
I spoke that creed with heart.
Unfortunately I couldn't see.
It's what would tear my soul apart.
©jarnmarr