Scars

A hand trained for guns

Bandages boo boos and kisses away tears

The soldier who threw grenades

Laughs and throws his son into the air

.

But the hands will never lose their hardness

Or ever forget the feel

Of the power of cold metal,

Though over time the callouses may heal

.

.

Wounds may scab over

Time may make its mark on the mind

Memories may become hidden

But will always be there to find

Because the scars never fade

.

.

He builds his house, back burning from the sun

And his tendons suddenly remember crouching to prepare to run

Faint remembrances of desperations and blood

He will never forget the time spent with that gun

.

.

Wounds may scab over

Time may make its mark on the mind

Memories may become hidden

But will always be there to find

Because the scars never fade

.

.

The injuries have healed

The rips of skin have sealed

But some damage is beyond repair

The memories with guilt remain

A mind forever maimed

It’s a burden he will always bear

Survivors of war take care