A Soldier Looking Back (Poem)

                         A  soldier  looking  back

- Jagdish Pd. Gupta

I had an impression ;
Of a soldier looking back
Under intense confusion
And enormous shock .

Don`t know how , but I had
May be, my intuition
Or your face , looking so sad.
Why so confused O soldier !

Is it that your weapons not good enough

Short of range and not so tough ?

Is it that you suspect reinforcements ,

Compelled to curb & shorten your movements ?

Why so shocked O soldier !

Is it that you saw some thing unexpected

Affecting your plans , making you dejected ?

Is it that you doubt your route

Fear of  its length , made you mute ?

Listen minutely O warrior  !

No matter how long or short your track

A bundle of flowers or logs on your back

What ultimately matters is not the cost

But a crowning glory , victory utmost.

Tighten your armor  O fighter  !

For all the victories grow in the mind first

A slight doubt and the goal is lost

Sweetest is the taste of success

That comes after long toil and weariness.

 
 


*****।