Echoes

He sought to know

what lay beyond the distant hills

and travelled thousands of miles

oe'r mighty rivers and deep oceans

vast savannah plains, torrid sands

to the farthest of places.

He fought many battles

he endured long cold night

driven

 by zeal and determination

fire burning in his belly.

He had fought a good fight

in defence of the helpless

who yearned a glimmer of peace

conquered minds and hearts

 in faraway unknown jungles

made the world sit and watch

in rapt fascination.

Finally the news of his feats

echoed back to his village

that now gathered to receive

the mighty decorated soldier.

They watched

as the steel bird emerged 

from the sultry skies

waited in silence

as he emerged garlanded

with stripes and glittering medals

as the women burst into song.