This poem was first published on July 10, 2016, concerning life with mental illness.

Inside this tent a battlefield,
A war that rages on,
voices cryout, “Give up! You’ve lost!”
A whisper says, “Be Strong.”
And while conflict’s barrage echoes still
inside this private place,
Be not surprised, below my eyes,
to see a smiling face.
A warrior, wounded, battered, scarred,
 the stories I could share.
But for the battles fought and won,
no Purple Heart to wear.
Still, courage! Fight on! Don’t give up hope,
this time is not for long.
When finally His eyes I see,
the battle will be won.