Tom Puetz’s Poetry
Combat veterans see themselves as “The Monster”
Combat veterans see themselves as “The Monster” in the mirror
Scars from Childhood Trauma
Scars I couldn't say what was wrong. When the pain became too much and I became numb, I cut my flesh to make the blood come. It was a scream. When I writhed in pain without sound, The blood spoke for me. The only witness. I...
Disconnected from life
Disconnected from life I would tread water Until I washed up somewhere I’m swimming for shore now The black dog is still chasing It waits on the river bank This time is different I’m going to let it catch me I need to know what I’ve been running from © Tom Puetz...
Moral Injury – an Indelible Trauma
Poetry
Our love was a casualty of war
Far away tonight I am so weary but dare not sleep. If I close my eyes and slumber dawn will find you nearly faded. You seem so far away tonight. The candle at our bedside Flickers in your eyes. Will a light be left there when...
The Rain
The Rain keeps coming More thick than strong Washing the chemical hurt from this hill Whose side we huddle on I release the reassuring pressure Of my fingertip on the trigger there I let loose my death grip Hug my weapon like a teddy bear I can’t say I feel safe More...