Battle Fatigue Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

You don't have to wear a uniform
to experience battle fatigue

There are plenty of civilians
wandering around in shell shock

Disoriented and prone to night
sweats, terrified and wary

Of an enemy unseen
that wages war

Day and night
breaking one's will

By slow degrees
until one quits

Thing to do before
surrender

Rally forces and attack
the cowardly foe

Where he crouches behind
a barricade of lies

Launching his barbs
of hate and frustration
without provocation