“Belay my last…”
By Lindly Watters

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Bootcamp:
We learn to unlearn ourselves—
Vocabulary forming, sustaining, and remaining w/ a permanent voice.

I say it, regret it, start again, and forget it—
“Belay my last…”

Military life:
A mug of black coffee is a part of the uniform
Zip, button, spread flat your collar—
a day is beginning and excellence is expected.

The black lines that I signed, designed to entice and confuse,
“Belay my last…”

Civilian:
I’m lost now, used up, no value tome.
The military oddly supported a need that was for me and not just my country.

The freedom I fought for is now concrete at my feet—
“Belay my last…”

Today:
Catch the thought, check the thought, change the thought.
There is no ignoring my internal dialogue so I must edit the words that disturb me.

Then cradle the pain and leave the rest to
“Belay my last…”

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Lindly Watters is a passionate and driven individual dedicated to self-growth, cognitive development, and helping others. A Navy veteran, she values discipline and resilience, applying them to her studies in cognitive neuroscience and education literacy. She is deeply invested in mental health advocacy, communication mastery, and personal transformation, striving to inspire others through her writing and creative pursuits.