Between Bruises & Blooms

There are wars
that leave buildings burning.

Then there are wars
that leave people
questioning themselves.

No bruises.

No broken bones.

Just sleepless nights,

racing thoughts,

and wondering
if maybe
you really are
everything they say.

That is the battlefield
you built.

One where every victory
was convincing me

I deserved
to lose.

Until I remembered

peace
doesn’t ask permission.

It simply leaves.