I found you in the woods at the edge of the lake, staring into the distance, your mind faraway. Always the gallant soldier you took the worries of others on your shoulders. Your hands, scarred by the violence of war, were rubbing together furiously. It was almost as if there were some invisible substance on them you wanted to get off. I stood there for several minutes wondering what I should do or say. It always seems my words of comfort did nothing to help you. All I wanted was to help you carry the weight.

A snapping twig under my feet shook you from your trance. In my eyes I begged you to tell me your worries. But your hard eyes stayed steady-looking at me, you were not going to confide in me. Instead you smiled as to tell me not to worry and that you had everything under control. You waved me over to sit beside you and as I walked towards my heart was breaking. A little for the rejection of your confidence, but mostly for you. How much can a man bear before he breaks?

(c) T. Winns 2015

Photo: Original, taken by myself.