unassessed damages

Born with maps built in, concrete jungle cradles childhood
born so brave
certainty in every step, smooth navigation
toy soldiers mirror back the fight, signal for your future

you grow up

Fists crash into walls
violent waves of air in your lungs, yell at the world
shove it back
on the defense, proving yourself
born so brave
brave or not, always a hero in my eyes
way before the guns, way before they planted enemies in your head

You. can't. sleep.
Little white pills, blackout
bombs burst eyelids open
red curtains fall warm behind your eyes, children's faces
sandstorms wrap your throat, try to breathe
explosions ripping through your dreams like bullets through flesh
fast thoughts, injuries in your words, habitual struggles
you can't sleep, sounds of pulses fading sting
muscles like brick shield your terrors
your fragmented bones, your glassy eyes
unassessed damages

blackout

Walk slow and aware through hate, minefields in your soul
you've survived
unlearn your targets, surrender your tags
so brave to come home

I want to hold you, little boy
draw your smile until it feels real
and hold you until I heal every one of your broken parts.