Barren, cold desert
High, rocky mountains
Icy freezing winds
Desolate, uneasy loneliness
Unexpected, barbaric treachery
brutal, tragic consequences
Loss of life and limb
yes, most certainly
but more significantly
Loss of trust and faith
in humanity
in the given word
Loss of total respect
for international convention
for law and treaty
A rejection of
the universally established
warrior code
But for the so-called
Realist, pragmatist and
clever by half
All is fair in “………”
Criticism and condemnation
keeps flowing
thick and fast
From the nay-sayers, doubters
and holy experts
The Why(s)? the Really?
and the How could you(s)?
Scant respect and sensitivity
for those who have fallen
Laid down their lives unflinchingly
without a second thought
for home and hearth
for promises unkept
for open waiting arms
Let us be kind
let us be generous
trust their actions
honour their valour
appreciate their resolve
salute their sacrifice
Brave they are, one and all
Will never let the Tricolour fall