Forum Activity for @tbraxton

My War's End - life with PTSD by T. Braxton 2002

West Coast Eisteddfod Online Poetry Competition 2016

War’s End 

 

Years of war have raged now, my armoured battlements show the ravages of wear.

Time, Fear and Hatred have burned deep in my lines, the furrows of despair.

Though many have been lost, and lay buried in the blood soaked soil,

Deep within this shielded core, the heady blood of life still roils.

 

I have seen abominations cast on humankind, again by its own hands.

And though here before, I couldn't accept how my actions helped despoil the lands.

As lifes’ glow began to wan again I gazed ‘round and the flames I finally did see through.

I realize once and for all, the many paths I’d chosen thus far, were little more than a ruse.

 

So with these last thoughts I leave you, for all that have been touched by this wars' despair.

You can take off your armour, stow your sword, and hang your bow upon a corner chair.

We can leave the battlefield with honour, for the drums of war need no longer beat.

Many years are lost to the dust, and to fight on alone now would only enfold us in defeat.

Now we walk together through the twisted wreckage and the smoke slowly clears from the air,

The sights and noise of war may echo, but we will survive through this common bond we share.

Though seasoned in the arts of war, I cry out now, “What of peace, and who has these skills to teach?

And the answer drifted back through the din; “It’s to your Creator, not your sword, that your heart must now reach.”

updated by @tbraxton: 11/24/19 06:16:51PM

Kristina - by T. Braxton 1997

West Coast Eisteddfod Online Poetry Competition 2016

Like a warm summer wind, was this child,

sometimes gentle, and other times wild.

Through quiet eyes, a loud spirit shone,

and like the wind, your spirit will never truly be gone.

All those you touched, with your kisses, and smiles,

will feel the wind, and remember,

this spirited child.

 

we love you Kristina

Tribute to Dad and brother both lost to suicide - by T. Braxton 1996

West Coast Eisteddfod Online Poetry Competition 2016

Your final words, to me, still echo clearly to this day. 

As you must know, our brother soon followed you, choosing the same way. 

My sisters are both well, and their futures are in hand, 

though we did not, nor will we e’er, completely understand. 

What intentions in your heart, or what your  mind conceived, 

 through 20 years without you, my last sight of you has, my mind besieged. 

Haunting me through time at points, but a lesson you did teach, 

for nothing in this life for me, shall ever drive me o’er the breach. 

You did what you could, until you felt your hopes had turned to dust, 

but even though we felt short changed,  life continued, and still must. 

So rest in peace my father, and brother also take thy peace, 

as ne’er the day will come for me, when thy level of desperation shall I reach.

 

We love and miss you both.

updated by @tbraxton: 11/24/19 06:16:51PM

Dear Brother, Dear Friend - By T. Braxton

West Coast Eisteddfod Online Poetry Competition 2016

Dear Brother, Dear Friend

I pray you walk with me until the end.

As your heart doth a shadow cast

You help me forgive and understand my past.

You show me laughter where I see none,

And in sadness you console.

In my joys you share,

Amidst my woes you care

Thou art truly a friend, I shall strive to repay in kind.

updated by @tbraxton: 11/24/19 06:16:51PM

Un-Shattered Whole - By Thomas Braxton 2010

West Coast Eisteddfod Online Poetry Competition 2016

T’is pain with me has been so long inside 

No matter where I try to run, 

there is no where to hide 

With distraction, drugs, booze, sex or pain, 

This madness will ne’r release me sane 

I’ve walked though this life to now, 

Sometimes hurried sometimes slow 

To find a path before me now, 

I’ve always wished to go 

To use my lifes’ lessons and those of my kin 

So all those wounded deep inside, can become 

Un-Shattered whole ag’in.

 

updated by @tbraxton: 11/24/19 06:16:51PM