Nightmares

The nightmares started long
Ago. It seemed like I had just
Arrived in Iraq. They became 
A part of daily life, I kept them 
Secret so no one would know.

Coming home, they got worse.
Two weeks later, and Parrish 
Would be lost. He joined the 
Dreams, "why was it me and
Not you?" All he ever asked.

Two years later, Rowan took
His life and he would join in
Dreams. When I was barely 
Hanging on, he would come
And tell me he'd found peace.

Now the nightmares are of
My son Andrew, and I see 
Him in what I went through.
The idea he might face the
Same and worse my fear.