Soldier

By Agnes Salome Jaison

Moving towards the frontline

Amidst bitter cold and ice

I’m trying to determine

For whom I’m paying the price

Am I supposed to retrieve the land

Encroached by the neighbour

Or am I supposed to wait on the contour

Until the leaders peacefully shake their hand

Either way, I know I may be killed

Before the situation is handled

A father will be snatched away from his son

A poor mother will lose her only son

But, for the nation life will not cease

Martyr’s name will soon be forgotten with ease

Politics as usual will play on my homeland

Anger and hatred will follow hand in hand

Fellow countrymen they will again kill

The nation will forget its goodwill…

Here standing on the frontline

I’m still trying to determine

Are these people really worth my life…??

By Agnes Salome Jaison