The War Veteran

Feels like it’s been years,
Since I saw myself in a mirror.
I see lines marked by tears,
And furrows marked by terror.

I see the tired old eyes,
And the streaks of grey hair,
From a lifetime of lies,
And being treated unfair.

It’s been a long while,
Since I saw a glimmer of love,
A simple little smile,
Or the innocence of a dove.

I stare deep into my soul,
Through my hopes and my past.
I stare at what was once whole,
Long shattered since the die was cast.

I stare at a face tormented by dreams,
Once caked with dried blood.
I try to ignore the screams,
But they return an unstoppable flood.

Feels like it’s been years,
Since I saw my face in a mirror.
What stares back are the fears,
And the legions of dark horror.

I can see no more, I look away…

- Aviv Nair
4/5/2010