Poetry From The PTSD Mind

By Stephen Barker

In the haunting and introspective realm of "Poetry from the PTSD Mind," acclaimed author Steve Barker beckons readers into a deeply affecting voyage through the intricate labyrinth of post-traumatic stress disorder. With each line of verse each carefully chosen word, this mesmerizing masterpiece weaves an empathetic tapestry of raw emotion and profound connection, ensuring that those afflicted by military PTSD are never alone in their anguish.

 

Drawing upon the author's own experiences and the harrowing tales of resilient warriors, this collection resounds with the weight of unspoken battles, shattering the silence that envelops the haunted minds of soldiers returning from the chaos of warzones. It whispers of sleepless nights and shattered dreams, of fragmented memories that relentlessly pierce the heart.

 

"Poetry from the PTSD Mind" is not merely a collection of poems, but a sanctuary of solace and understanding for those who have experienced the horrors of war. Between its pages, veterans discover a lifeline, knitted with uncompromising authenticity and tenderness, as they navigate the unforgiving terrain of their internal struggles. Through vivid imagery and visceral language, the author invites readers to witness the shattered fragments, the jagged pieces that constitute the journey back to wholeness.

 

Yet, this transformative work extends beyond the realm of personal solace, immersing all who dare to explore its depths in a vast ocean of compassion and knowledge. It serves as a guide for the reader to understand the weight carried by those scarred by war, fostering a deeper empathy within the reader's soul. By delving into the minds of these courageous survivors, readers learn to hear the unspeakable, see the unseen, and feel the indescribable. Through the power of artistry and shared experience, "Poetry from the PTSD Mind" bridges the immense gap between the battlefront and peaceful alleys, unveiling an undeniable truth: that in understanding another's pain, healing may truly begin.

 

With a deft and compassionate touch, Steve Barker navigates the depths of the human psyche, surfacing with poetic gems that shimmer with vulnerability and resilience. Every syllable of this profound work seeks to illuminate the path of healing for both warriors and their loved ones, inviting all to bear witness to the transformative power of words.

 

"Poetry from the PTSD Mind" stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those affected by the invisible wounds of war, breathing life into their silent suffering, and reminding them that their stories are eternally intertwined. It is an invitation to walk beside these brave individuals as they navigate the tumultuous voyage towards recovery and understanding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen Barker
• Release date: Nov 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223950332

Book preview

Poetry from the

PTSD Mind

© Copyright Author - Steve Barker

ISBN: 9781-0969-31348

Foreword

A picture containing human face, person, forehead, chin Description automatically generated I left School in 1979 and, within a month, joined the Royal Green Jackets in Winchester; after completing training joined 3RGJ in Cambridge. I continued to serve until 1989, when I saw service in Cyprus on the UN, Germany, Ireland, Falklands, Canada, and the UK.

In 2017 after many years of suffering, I was diagnosed with Chronic PTSD from three life-threatening events during my service. Someone suggested I begin writing as part of my recovery at Combat Stress.

During my last two-week stay at Combat Stress in April 2019, I started writing poetry for the first time with this book.

Therefore, as part of my recovery have put together what can loosely be classed as poetry.

Please enjoy the collection as we take you on a journey from our darkest hour to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Steve

Contents

THE JOURNEY

Why?

Stay Calm

Vehicle Check Point

In to the Night

The Street

The Shop

Invite

Come Home

Talk

Stay Close

Family

Treatment

Unspoken Bond

One to One

In My Head

Place of Safety

Encouragement

Forward

The walk

Other Poems

Homeless Veteran

Time for Remembrance

At least we forget.

Welcome to another day

Care

THE LIGHTER SIDE

Simon

George

Chimp

On Parade

THE JOURNEY

Why?

Ho, What I’ve seen.

Grown men Cry, Strong men weep, of memories, all so real.

Where Some fear going into the night.

Ho, why is sleep a stranger to brave souls of war?

A hidden place where emotions treat me as a stranger?

My only wish in this world of torment

Why can’t I have scares for all to see?

Instead, I suffer in silence in a world away from view.

Is that a friend or foe that dares approach my unseen world?

Instinct or fear, our battle plans are drawn.

Stay away, our battle cry.

Stand down, you souls