The Gun Salute - By Dhruv Tangri

Written By: Dhruv Tangri

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Dhruv Tangri, through his evocative poem "The Gun Salute," participates in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition provides a platform for expressive and thought-provoking works from poets and writers worldwide. Tangri's poem delves into the profound themes of loss, grief, and the personal sacrifices made during times of war. His entry stands as a poignant reflection on the emotional turmoil experienced by those left behind.

About the Work

"The Gun Salute" is a deeply emotive piece that captures the heart-wrenching experience of a parent mourning the loss of a son to war. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Tangri portrays the struggle between personal grief and national pride. The poem is a tapestry of memories and emotions, evoking the haunting sounds of gun salutes and the silent despair of a grieving heart. It presents a powerful commentary on the human cost of conflict.

The Gun Salute

Original Submission by Dhruv Tangri

THE GUN SALUTE

The first time I cried since the news of his demise,

It was when twenty-one gunshots were fired into the sky.

I was brought to the present with the frantic fluttering of scared koels flying,

I could only hear the faint, distorted sound of trumpets and chirping,

Till then, I was smoking the past laced with opium, when he was alive.

I was lost in my thoughts till I had lost my mind,

Reading every page, every single letter in my library of books on memories, whatever I could find.

A moment of silence? The death of my son will keep me silent all the time,

Be proud? When grief takes over, there's no place for pride.

I used to kiss his forehead before missions,

Always uncertain whether he would be coming back to me,

Never knew my biggest fear would weigh so heavily on my fate,

Never knew the kiss of death would be sweeter than mine.

How could I not handle it when I tried preparing myself for this very moment?

A coffin draped in the nation’s flag is all that is left of him.

I was given the news of his martyrdom a month ago,

I couldn't believe my ears and eyes,

I desperately hoped he would come back,

The news carved an oblivious chasm in my heart,

I tried filling it up with a library of memories of my only child.

Oh how he battled in the scorching hot sands and the blizzards of the night,

Blisters on his feet and bullets in his thighs,

Still kept fighting, still stood tall,

Is it right to put the blame on the enemies for it all?

I couldn't care less about the outcome of the war when I lost everything in life.

Aren't their mothers mourning on the other side of the strife?

I couldn't help but let the tears flow when twenty-one gunshots were blazed into the sky.

I feel a tap on my shoulder through my straight jacket,

I was lost in my own space, in a lane, finding it too hard to walk it.

Dinner has turned so cold that I'm reluctant to taste it,

The orderlies tried to feed me, I guess,

I go somewhere else whenever I hear the koels fluttering in distress.

It's been years since I saw him play,

Now I compensate for my loss dreaming of his childhood like it was yesterday.

Very often I hear the bullets pierce through my eardrums,

Reminds me of his injured body, a sight unbearably fearsome.

I don't throw tantrums when I see my child walk towards me occasionally,

It keeps the orderlies from separating me and him, with medicines that I try to skip daily.

You rest in peace, but mine was robbed from me during that unending war,

I sit and wonder, was this mother and this motherland really worth dying for?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar invites writers and poets from across the globe to share their creative expressions. This prestigious event celebrates diverse voices and artistic talents, offering a platform for participants to convey complex themes and emotions through their work. The competition highlights the beauty and power of the written word in connecting and resonating with audiences worldwide.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dhruv Tangri for his moving contribution, "The Gun Salute," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His poignant reflection on loss and sacrifice resonates deeply, offering a powerful testament to the enduring impact of love and memory. Thank you, Dhruv, for sharing your voice and enriching our understanding through your poetry.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.