We All Need That Break. A Poem By Bob Shepherd

At the top of my game, 1991.

I look back at my life with an element of wit

It’s been mainly great with a wee bit of shit

Having kids to love and making sure they’re alright

And back when my mind broke, I now had myself to fight

A life of showing toughness, while standing with my peers

But alone, overthinking would turn me to tears

As I look out of the window and up to the sky

I want my kids back home so badly, that I just stand and cry

A broken brain through years of warfare, from a kid to a man

Showing that I can cope with anything, oh yes oh yes I can

But life has given me a battering, enough to kill some

But my kids and theirs too, have lifted me from the glum

It was great being a soldier, but there were harrowing times too

Some mates are still here today, but they stand as so few

Even a portion of them are broken, some stay silent but others talk

But no matter how shattered, you still walked the walk

The brain is so complexed, doctors told me I was just fine

I knew I was going mad slowly, year on year going well off line

But with my wife my best friend beside me, she found me out

And with her and a good doctor that knew, they gave me the best shout

Bob, now I’ve heard your history, I’ve dealt with your kind before

Others with your background have walked through the same door

Life can go on normally, but you have to share your past

So I walked out of her door feeling normal at last

I no longer feel depressed or anxious, or feel angry or feel broken

I feel very much alive and loved, now that I’ve spoken

For a great old friend and soldier…I think of you always.