Abhinandan – A Tribute to a Soldier

We congratulate you
as your name deserves
for chasing the enemies
Your good Varthaman* (rumour)
has spread far and wide.
Though you were shot down
and had to eject to safety
and wounded, are now in custody
we know your bravery
is rewarded
by our anxiety
for your safe return
to us, and your loved ones.
For from the ground it is easy
for fools to strut around naked, dressed only in words, and digress
to talk war and defence, and offence, as strategy
but for you it is no social media joke
but grim reality.
May the Almighty
bring you back safely
reward you fittingly
and give you fit recompence
while others speak of vengeance
and all such triviality.
May you be kept safe
and brought back to the bosom of your country
our home
motherland
well and hale
to tell the story
to our children
and grandchildren
that they may not be fooled
by civilian prating
but take to heart
that some things are worth defending
living for
fighting for
dying for, if necessary
like our freedom
and long lasting
everlasting
liberty.