He lay immobile
Beside a demoralised wounded horse,
Blood on his head and a broken limb-
He lay dying, and mumbling ‘Alas’!
And there were more-
Some in pieces more than one;
They won, and what they won!
Lost life, lost limb, lost eye and what more!

The moon was silent, the leaves whispered,
The chilling breeze wheezing past,
The hot blood gushed and cold tears swept-
"Ah! For all that’s done what’s in my hand?
Yes, the flag flutters still,
The post buried deep in my friend’s heart.
Keep fluttering; for you we laid out lives,
For you I close my eyes;
But sunshine blessed you in our company yesterday,
We leave you alone under the blinking moon."
-5\11\97,Calcutta-63

COMMENTS :

It must be impressed that this poem was composed before my introduction to literature and before any knowledge of the war poets. War has always seemed foolish, meaningless, especially those waged for reasons of patriotism. It does not need much education to know that there are better ways to resolve an issue, however contentious. Still the flag flutters high, and what is funny, as an emblem of civilization. Ironic is this instance of symbolism since one cannot see how a bloody flag could symbolize civilisation. One also wonders what comes first- humanity or civilization? The argument will rage on, but unfortunately blood will keep flowing.

Compare: Letter from the battlefield