The Soldiers' March

They marched past my lane warriors all Smart green fatigues, mirthful soldiers tall, Hats inclined, their buttons shining bright Boots drumming into a warming light, Young hearts harking to their nation’s call. I laud mother’s who have given birth To lads seeking a heavenly berth, Spurning their tomorrows’ for others Courting death for sake of their brothers, They are but heavens’ glory on earth. They melted into that day of June Unsung heroes in a blazing noon, Cheered by townsfolk bidding them goodbye Packing them to battle fields to die, Their wreaths being readied as festoon. Their bravery in battles I read On alien soil they lay and bled, Spilling pure blood of mothers’ somewhere – Whose tears of valour only pride can bear, Their flesh ceded to the land of dead. O’ History on your pages I smote That heavens’ pen this bloodied note, Of unsung heroes who gave their breath Quartered their flesh at altars of death, Patriots for whom praises it quote. ***********