The Soldier’s Message*

*The Soldier’s Message*

Do not tell her I’m amidst the war,

Just say I’m hers, and nothing more.

A bullet grazed my ear today,

Yet for her love, I’m here to stay.

I’ve given my love as a sacrifice,

To fight for my land, my paradise.

Her tears I cannot bear to see,

In every drop, she carries me.

How can I explain this storm of fire,

Where death looms close, yet hearts aspire?

The cruel enemy stands at my gate,

But for her smile, I challenge fate.

Even if flames consume my breath,

Even if I am claimed by death,

Look in the mirror—there I’ll be,

Forever in her eyes, she’ll see.

And should a bullet pierce me through,

Tell her my dreams will still come true.

I’ll live to make her laughter gleam,

A soldier’s love, eternal as a dream.

*Pankaj Kumar Uttam Thombare*