SONGS OF PRAISE NAME AND FAME

On returning the medals by the ex-soldiers

Songs of praise name and fame

Was not what I sought or aimed
When I served my motherland my friend
Steel and blood was all that was
Just do and die, No tears no pause
No doubts my friend
No medals sought
No flowers no acclaim
No memorials or wreathes
In my heroics praise and name
There were no ifs and buts
No questions asked
None my friend
War is not a glorious thing
Contrary to what you think
And my family
Is no different from yours
Their needs and dreams
Just like yours
They stood by me all along
No questions asked
No doubts my friend
I did unasked
What I was trained to do
There was no question
Of when and why
All I did was to do and die
I gave my best, Without the blink of an eye.
In the twilight of my life
All I seek now my friend
Old age in grace and dignity to spend
I have done my duty
It’s time to do yours my fellow countrymen.
Enemy bullets didn't wound me so
Nor the mortar shells hurt at all
Bayonets, cannon fire and shells
Bear them all, I could my friend
Tears well up at your offhand comment,
Why I returned my medals my friend?
Judge me not lest you be judged
For I never judged you my friend.

By: - Joy Kirt Sidhu, daughter of an ex-serviceman