It’s coming to that time of year again, when we remember some past events and celebrate certain others.

This can be a very stressful time of year for some of us, not only for our furry friends and wildlife creatures who can’t speak up for themselves, but also for those brave individuals that have seen active service and who, along with many others suffer from PTSD.

Please do consider buying silent fireworks – they’re just as good, but have no bangs to cause such distress. Or if the bang is that important to you, maybe go to a formally organised display? I do get it, though; I was young once, and incidentally I was almost taken out by a firework, at which point my mate’s grandad sat in his wheel chair and said: “That was exciting, wasn’t it.”

Anyway, whatever you decide, can I just ask this of you … have a heart.

Remember

In the corner of the room, ears pinned back,  
The world outside explodes in bursts.
Fiery blooms paint the night sky.  
Each bang is a monster, unseen but felt.
Like the ghosts in the veteran’s eyes,  
Whispering stories of battles past.  
I curl tighter, a small ball of fur and fear,  
As he sits, eyes distant, heart pounding,  
Two souls caught in the echoes of thunder,  
Seeking refuge in the silent spaces between.

(c)BobChristian