IV: Real and Wounded

They say all is fair in love and war.

So is there really a difference between the two ?

One’s a game, and the other is a battle.

But both can cause wounds.

The sound of machines, and screams of command. The yells of a lover scorned, and the wails of pain of a woman who’s fed up.

The loneliness of isolation, be it deployment, or Friday nights when she’d rather be with her girls.

The fight to stay alive, just to make it home. Or the fight to stop fighting, and keep love alive, and keep your home together.

The piercing sting of a soldier’s bullet. Or the pain in your chest when you read the words she left you, “I just don’t love you anymore”.

And the long road back once the war, or the love, is over.

You see, Love IS war. And sometimes, even when you win, you’re wounded.

True love makes every wound worth it.

Love IS war.

I AM raw.

Real and wounded.

You have no idea the blood, sweat, and tears I shed to crack this smile.

But you’ll hear it in every word I say.