A SOLDIER’S WISH--award winner

A SOLDIER’S WISH


Do I wish my name be remembered,
When I fall down in the battlefield?
Do I wish a posthumous award?
Or, a badge or trophy or a shield?

No, my friend, as I go now for good,
Don’t stop for me or slow down your march.
Don’t waste your water to wet my lips.
It no longer matters if they parch.

I don’t wish my memory preserved.
All I wish is, my countrymen do
Give a thought to the mother back home,
Who, knowing her loss, will her fate rue.


• Written in abcb, 9-9-9-9 format

• Originally written as entry no. 411501 in the book: WAR POETRY "WAR POETRY--award winner" 

• Awarded 3rd Place and awardicon in the 34th Traditional Poetry Contest, "Invalid Item" 



M C Gupta
7 March 2006