Braving the cold and icy breeze
Where even time seems to freeze
This lonely sentry stands guard
On this frozen terrain so hard

There seems no way to brace
Against icy winds lashing his face
No place to hide, no place to rest
Nature torments this unwelcome guest

There the sentry stands tall
Answering his Motherland’s call
Shouldering such an onerous task
So that his brothers may bask
In sunshine – across this glorious land
& as free citizens they can stand

Does somebody care? – he knows not
He manages with what he’s got –
A picture – of his wife and newborn son
& hope – that their future will be a better one.

He knows not what he’s fighting for
-This endless, dirty, mindless war
Many of his mates are already dead
“For the country” – it was said.

But this country never really cared
Or even noticed how they fared
Maybe for ‘progress’ a price is to be paid
And such small sacrifices to be made

He believes-
It’s said, “India’s making many a stride”
“If so, I can also stand with pride
Braving this cold and icy breeze
Where even Time seems to freeze”.

Mukesh