Beyond the battlefield

By Raghav Anthwal

Clouds thundering, midnight sky ashen, ashen by the cries of those, unfortunate duty bound,

to greener pastures, to avoid the infernal rations, a burning desire to return home, to be found.

To return to those we love, to be in their arms, stuck under the orders of those we serve, aimlessly firing these arms.

Shooting molten lead at other people, our brethren, at those who caused no harm, ones who even didn’t threaten.

Such is the bawn of war, losing 100 men for an inch to advance, with godlike vengeance packing warheads,

hanging on to reality by some threads, some don’t even stand a chance.

In an unknown place, with friends scarce and enemies glut, young men, barely men, having to nail their own coffins shut.

With paltry water canteens and no sustenance in sight, such is the bane of the soldiers plight.

. A destined bullet nicks the heart, knowing he may not be healed,

Only then did he stop for a minute, thinking beyond the battlefield.

Only then did he stop to question his humanity thought about the incursions inanity,

for when the dust settles after an all-out war, would there be anything left, to be back out for……

By Raghav Anthwal