9/4/25

waking with fists clenched, jaw set tight,

nothing but a soldier lost in peacetime's light.

no war declared, yet still i brace,

for every breath feels like a chase.

heart drums but never rests,

just a storm rattling in a chest.

fighting silence, fighting sound,

fighting even when peace has been found.

the world to me is sharp and loud,

a place where softness ain't allowed.

learned to strike before getting struck,

building shields and denying luck.

not craving any type of win,

but a soul who'll actually let me in.

a soul who's gaze says "you are known,"

a presence that feels like coming home.

to lay my armor at the door,

and not be asked to fight no more.

to find, at last, a quiet land.

where rest is actually safe, and love can stand.

not fixed or healed, not free of dread,

but a place where i can actually lay my head.