I cannot erase what I've seen

it is indelibly seared on the boiler plate of my mind

I cannot shake the fears I've had

They lap around my heart

and spill into my soul

I cannot retrace the steps along the many paths

Nor do I care to see the jungle once again

I can wallow endlessly in this foxhole

I can drown in the rain of salty tears

Or I can pray to Heaven's Master

And find peace

and courage

and a friend