They boarded the train with all their loads
Down the seats they pushed them all
As their dear ones waved them good bye
Both returned to their seats in a sigh
Hairstyle proved their identity
Nation's keepers, country's servants
Destined to leave their kith and kin,
To forgo home for their home country
Bravery, loyalty, their brains filled with
Devotion to Bharat Matha and her children too
With their uniform as a mask to their lives
To kill or be killed, all for the nation's cause
I was coming home after a visit to my parents
Returning to my family that waits in love
Drenched in sweet memories of love and care
I never thought of these simple people around
One of them spread the white jamakkaalam
He stretched himself, without a word
His eyes were swollen, maybe he cried all night
No smile, a blank brave face he wore as a look
A phone call came, from his beloved wife
A chat which broke in sad silence
His last words were too sharp and firm
"This is the life of a soldier..Don't cry"
He gazed at the phone as it ended with a beep
He left her to tears and tried to swallow his pain
There ended the tearful chat of two broken hearts
Silence couldn’t bring an end to their thoughts
She would've wiped her eyes with the edge of her sari
And must’ve taken a breath, to face her life alone
Or would've hugged her kids so close
To draw some solace and hope to move on
He didn't talk a word to his friend
With the white sheet he covered from head to toe
He looked like a corpse clad to be buried
I wondered if he was covering his tears
Late was his lunch, from a big pack he gulped
May be his mom packed it with a heart full of love
When will he taste another homemade food?
When will he eat with his family again?
Never in my day or night or sleep or work
Have I ever thought about these guardian angels!
Each moment they risk their life for the country
While we kill each other in hatred and vengeance
In my heart a war had already started
Did I take all these people for granted?
The Jawans and Kisans who protect and feed me
Giving all the comforts which no money can buy
There are very many Indians who know not
That there are soldiers on borders who guard
Ready to fight the enemy without a choice
To save us from swords and gunshots
Brethren, I feel sorry for my ignorance
I feel proud of you and your service
With no one and nothing to protect you
You provide us a place to live in peace
For many, you may be lesser lives made to doom
But you are the greatest, and deserve our respect
"Jai Jawan!" "Jai Kisan!" I'll keep you in my thoughts
My prayers and wishes for your homecoming, safe
As I got down at dusk from the train
He was hidden under the white sheet again
As I entered home to join my family cheers
I knew that I live in the charity of these selfless people
May your parents be blessed for their sacrifice
May your wife be blessed with courage to fight her pain
May your children look at you with respect and love
May God bless you for making our home, a heaven!
