Poetry Corner: When night follows night

Please enjoy this poem by contributor Bryan Davidson.

I see you my friend. You don’t know that I’m there. But I knew it was you by your sad, empty stare. 

I watched your skies darken, black clouds drawing near, your mind in retreat, cathartic with fear.

You knew it was coming, you’ve been here before. A series of battles. A long-standing war. 

With inevitable dread you prepared for the fight; pulled away from the world friend, away from the light.

And so all alone, you withdraw and dig in, awaiting the fight that you know you can’t win.

Guilt fires first with a sniper-like aim, not shooting to kill but preferring to maim. 

But you knew this would happen, you knew this so well, from bitter experience- your own private hell.

Round after round of remorse and regret, distorting clear-thinking, the trap being set.

Artillery shells, charged with self-pity and hatred, blasting the emotional trench you created. 

Your defences are crumbling, I see that my friend. Shattered, exhausted no sign of an end.

The darkness engulfs you and you pray for a light, to guide you away from the despair of this night.

You surrender yourself to the enemy fire, thoughts tear through your mind, wrapped tight with barbed-wire.  

And so it goes on and night follows night. Your loved ones are near but can’t help with this fight. 

But I can my friend, as I have been here before. I fight by your side, your true comrade in war. 

I was with you the last time when night followed night and I carried you out, from the trench to the light. 

For I am your hope, the real version of you. Surrounded by loved ones, we’re waiting, it’s true. 

So have courage my friend, and continue your fight. I’m coming for you and we’ll end this long night.

Reach out of the darkness, beyond the insane. Let me guide you from madness, away from the pain.

As daybreaks we’ll move safely behind our own lines, away from the barrage, the bullets and mines.

So let go your rifle, your helmet and pack and we’ll retreat friend, to loved ones, who’ll welcome us back.

And stand proud now and stronger, than ever before. A veteran, again, of this merciless war.

Now march only forwards and bathe in this light and never look back to where night follows night.

For there wait the snipers, so keen and so ready. Their rifles are loaded, their aim always steady. 

Your victory’s won and as hostilities cease, live in the now friend and long keep your peace.  

By Bryan Davidson
bryandavidsoncreative@gmail.com
Picture credit: Australian War Memorial | E00572

A truly moving poem. Did you think so too? Let me know over on Twitter @RachelKellyNet