Song of a Battlefront Soldier

The drum in my dreary chest Beats and booms to the rhythm Of coughing cannon The commander at the backline Sings the soldier’s motto and stomps succinctly Underneath the uttered ululation Lay a lean line going thus: “Turn back to your tomb” “Destroy the enemy” ‘I will dodge the diving bullet’ “Protect your country” ‘I will protect my dear life’ “The country sent you here” ‘Poverty drove me here’ “Time to act is now” ‘Indeed; well said by a backline commander’ This is not our battle but my battle I will battle with rage like a belittled bear And conquer the enemy and the immortality fear My household awaits my back sojourn with sunken hearts It is their smiles and not The dutiful salute by the commander And a firm handshake that feigns friendship That commands my commitment In a dingy hut I will sit And listen to my grandmother's tales As I watch my grandchildren grow Someday