war

long is this war in me
help me
feel for me
yet neither do I see

I am one I pity myself
and my companion for all days
stretch of sixty years
before me this eternity

withstand this invalid
but this invalid is I

praise me not
for my life conducted
within the confines of illness
my future my potential
gone with my body's suicide

if I explain
to your ignorance
are you still skeptical

for my ears still doubt
this incredulous tale
yet not excuses I swear
nor survivor stories
to bid sympathy

but who believes
iron will can fall
to a little sleepiness

July 30, 2002, and revised on June 5, 2004.