Your Faith And Your Soul

Walking in circles under the dripping canopy's leaves,
repeating a sentence someone gave him at twenty.
Terrorise your enemies.

The world moved on while he stood still,
saluting the old invisible flag.
Stand your ground.

Voices called his name from the edge of the trees,
but every kindness sounded like a trick.
Never surrender.

Counting the years by how many ghosts went silent,
the mission remained loud in his head.
Hold the line.

Better to starve than admit the hunger was pointless,
rather be feared than feel foolish.
Show no retreat.

It is not truth that convinces him,
but a formal command,
stepping out of the past.
"Lay down your arms."

So, Onoda walked out of the jungle at last,
wearing three decades of orders as his only story.
His identity.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace