I walk in the light but I live in darkness,

every minute is a battle and every day a war,

I will fight the demons that come throughout the night and day.

My body, soul and mind will be tested and cannot be found wanting,

broken so many times before, I am fragile,

wary of sound, sight and smell.

My mind conjures tricks and summons terrors to test my resolve,

images haunt me, I see them with my waking eyes,

nightmares can be but a word away.

I fear to sleep, I struggle to wake, I wish only for it to end,

but I must not succumb to drink, drugs or death. 

I take strength from my family, but no matter the people beside me I fight my war alone. 

My choice is this; to fight on or fall into darkness for eternity.

If I am to survive, 

If I am to live.

There can be 

No Surrender