Victor's Song

The bells ring and the trumpets blow
Into agonized hearts triumphs flow
Mates march into the laden vessels
Hollers of victory engulf the heavens


Chests chocked with riches foreign
Forgotten guilt of hundreds slain
The shores wash the red on their hands
Unbiased waters of hostile lands


They bid adieu to the plundered homes
To the ravaged fields and shattered domes
They leave behind wandering souls
Muted audience to their beloveds' calls


I couldn't give my friends company
Couldn't revel to a champion's destiny
They sail back to awaiting eyes
I lie here with earth ridden dyes


Many foes this hand too silenced
Many blows this body too dealt
I wasn't meant to bask in glory's zone
I wasn't meant though to hug my son


I wasn't meant to honour my promise
I made to my lover as we parted with kiss
I wasn't meant to comfort her sorrows manifold
With her, I wasn't meant, to grow old


I pass my love to the ones I belong,
I convey my loss in a victor's song
We came and conquered but they went alone
I am left to witness the misery we've shown


They'll run to the care of their homes
I'll stand here till infinity comes
They'll forget their pain under a warm hand
And also the victor who died in a vanquished land




                                                                                     - Anupam