valorous veteran 

weathered warrior

steely heart.

such tales to regale

of battles lost,

battles won.

the past: his anchor.

its scars: his Kevlar.

hardened: he fears none.

but prisoner of war,

hold that secret:

yes, bite your tongue.

that one confession

its hated sweetness 

he’d sooner taste a gun.

what a taboo, 

oh, warrior,

it is to love…