Safe Harbor

PTSD

Proudly, I embarked on life's seas,
But today I am shocked to find
There, between the world and me,
The barrier reefs of my mind.

So, here I am, full of longing,
Gazing out upon beckoning seas,
Aching to depart, my soul on fire...
But locked in a prison that is me.

When did I arrive in this harbor?

Why did the reefs slowly form?

At first, I was buoyed by their presence;

They protected me from the storms.

Now, as I drift slowly backward

Til my keel gently grounds on the sand,

I fear I will remain here forever,

Marooned on this sheltered strand.

The sails have all been lowered,

And the waves idly lap at my hull

While a tear slowly wells and spills over

for a life grown barren and dull.