For he was a soldier in disguise

In the bustle of school days,
There was a boy, with sparkling eyes
Iron-willed, staunch and sturdy
For he was a soldier in disguise.

For his great sense of duty
He was awarded a golden crest
which fortified his dream of
Serving the nation to his best.

A couple of friends he had
But all of them for life
Spotted together always
They said their union will survive.

Together they toasted to unity
Soldier found his love in his bezzie
She too reciprocated back
Hand in hand they sat in fields of daisy.

With one last gaze, away he went
For it was the soil’s demand
Beneath the herculean body
Existed his heart that beated for his motherland.

Soon he was acknowledged as superior
For he became a glass eater
With hellish training and iron will
He crossed all human parameters

He became the elite soldier’s soldier
Man of flesh and blood turned into steel
Playing with death every now and then
His heart cushioned his patriotic feel

His beloved watched him teary-eyed
As he hop-jogged in the parade
Clothing His beret so maroon
Chaperoned by his comrades.

Ending his mother’s wait
He returned to see her beaming with pride
Encircled by his father with content
He displayed his military stride.

The Red Devil marched to join his friends
They all watched in awe
They bantered in a lively jello
And examined his bruises raw.

Flashing his earned insignia for gallantry
He turned up at her threshold
Displayed the shining title on his brawny shoulders
Wiped her tears that rolled.

She smiled in his embrace
Laying her hand on the upturned winged sword
Lo and behold, away he went again
” I’ll be back ” he gave his word.

He took his leave eyeing her intimately
She exclaimed in fear
” Don’t return in a coffin dear ”
He smiled, ” I can’t be a liar
For the patriot in my heart, I bear.

~ Swayam Samarpita