Poems

My son the soldier

AS Ientered the small room, I scanned it with my eyes,
It was filled with gloom as dark as the winter skies
All of a sudden my mind drifted back and I thought
"it can’t be"
Just 30 days ago this house was filled with sheer glee
Everywhere there was a vigorous flurry of activity,
To welcome the new bride — an exhuberant beauty
I aksed "how does it feel to be in the army?"
she said, "It feels good"
Then passing me she walked over to where her
bridegroom stood
I thought my heart would break; they looked so
wonderful together,
We all silently prayed that they may stay this way
forever
Then my son went to fight and left behind a
lonely bride,
who spent all nights gazingat his portrait in gloomy
light
One stormy night came the wretched telegram and
all turned dark,
our son was no longer-alive we had to face the facts.
Iworried for my daughter-in -law — she looked
so weak and sad,
The doctor came and confirmed our fear. He said,
"She’s doing bad"
I couldn’t bear the thought that I was powerless to
help her,
And when her end was near I went to see her.
What she said broke my heart for it was very true,
She held my hand in hers and said, "Your son says
we love you"
I told her to tell my son I had said, "I am proud of you"
She nodded; smiled and closed her eyes thus bidding
me adieu.
As I came out I saw a sign that read "the show must
go on"
I told my soul to rest for soon my son — the soldier would be reborn.

— Sunandini Joshi

Our warriors

Your spirit is mightier than the Himalayas,
Your aim is holier than the Ganges.
You are faster than any thought,
And you are stronger than any strength.
When you speak through your gun,
Enemy is bound to run.
The present is lucky to see you,
And the future is waiting for you.
Actually to describe the true meaning of bravery,
God has made the soldiers like you.

— Kapil Kapoor