...malady returns

Fierce battle

A broken trench
Cold silent combat

A Machiavellian foe
Artful
Crafty
Equipped with
Aesthetics of guile
Crossing swords
Raking sore past…

Attacking the
Achilles heel
An acid sting
Raw
Agonizing
Spiteful
Malicious

The bugle resonates

Armour unfastened

Almost to rest
Fading
Hidden
Tranquil
No more remorse

Combat neurosis

Malady stings again…

Another vain attempt
Unrequited repose.