War by Shauni Cooper

Bang. Another incoherent thump. I run to the corner of my room and abed myself with fear. Through the walls of controversy and misunderstanding, I hear familiar voices. No. They are strangers to me. I sit staring into the shadows that consume me, that take away my pain, my secrets, my questions… and hide them away until their next visit. I listen to the elevating voices and can only wonder if the repetitive, unending war will ever be won. They slice each other's hearts just the same, not knowing they simultaneously destroy mine as well. With each twist of their already blooded knives, they cut through me even deeper. Will they ever lay their weapons down? Mi mind tries to decipher it, while my heart screams in agony. Yet I say nothing. My emerald pools leak and I become undone. With each sob I feel weaker; a soldier injured but not down. The tears came early this night. Each night I pray for the white flag, each day my hope is shattered. The battle cries do not cease. Bang. Each noise sends a bullet through my soul, enveloping me in constant layers of assiduous suffering. Yet I do not die. I survive, only to fall again. A scheduled pattern of bandy caprices. I emerge unbreakable only to stumble each time. A sound creeps up my throat, threatening to strangle me. It endeavors to escape, but dies aborning. The sword-slashing stops. I can hear my heartbeat. I have survived once more. But I know all to well… the war continues…with me as its victim. Never to be won…