Toralf Cod
TO MY BROTHER
“NO!”
“Stop! Don’t go there”
Running, but the ground is like glue and my gear is heavy
Almost there
The light so bright and the heat so strong
Bells ringing in my head
What?
Not a sound
How?
I can see people screaming
Silence
Where?
Blood
Body parts
Confusion
Fire
Children
Burnt flesh
Smells
Women crying
Faces
Men crying
Evil
Wake up in my bed
Sweaty
Cold
Frightened
Alone
Screaming
Kicking
He holds my hand,
Strokes my forehead
Calms my twisted mind
“Shhh, it’s OK”
“I know”
“I’m here”
“Go back to sleep”
Holds my hand,
Hero
©Copyright February 11, 2002 by Toralf Cod
Author’s Note: A small “Thank You” note to the man that has kept me sane these last few months. My brother, himself a decorated veteran, has been at my sick bed day and night, waiting, talking, laughing, crying, sleeping, reading or just plain sitting there.
The real heroes are those caring for us when we come home; those who take our abuse, who heal our wounds and who stay by us when we push the hardest.
I’m sure you know someone like that too.
Toralf: 11 February 2002
Happy Monday Tony (is there such a thing? LOL)
--- PERSONAL NOTE ---
(please do not publish)
I saw the Toralf section, and I have very mixed feelings about it. On one hand I hate seeing my words out there; it’s a punch in the stomach and a kick in the head. The poems are OK, but the rest is scarier, but on the other hand I’m glad it’s there. My healing is far from finished, and I can’t hide forever. Having my words on display to the public means I have to deal with it in a different way.
I am glad “Words” and “Hope” touched you. I just am a soldier, no educated scholar with a higher understanding of the “fine arts”, and I can only write my words as I feel them. My words are primarily there to heal myself but if I can touch others with them then that makes me feel like it may not all have been for nothing; if you know what I mean?
--- END PERSONAL NOTE ---
Since I’m on a roll here, I thought I’d include this poem as well:
Webmaster’s Note: Permission to display the above personal note was given by Toralf’s brother, Per, after Toralf passed away.