The Soldier's Pride

The Soldier's Pride
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"Of course I'm proud," he said,
Contempt ringing clear
At my audacity,
My asking the forbidden questions,
As he stood at attention,
Chest high,
Guarding the borders of my country.

"But you didn't even know him,"
I prodded further,
Continuing the barrage,
Digging deep into his wounds
As I saw him flinch,
Trying to evade my volley,
Unsuccessful,
And I slightly rejoiced,
For I was striking my mark,
Winning the debate.

His shoulders slowly slouched,
A faraway look in his eyes,
And I moved in for the kill,
The final thrust,
"Why do you do it?" I asked,
Knowing I had won,
For as his head dropped
I knew he had no answer...

The silence hung thick,
A trap I had sprung for him,
Suffocating with every passing moment,
Drawing tears to his eyes,
And he finally spoke,
The hiss of an arrow
Cutting through air,
A screaming whisper...
"I stand on the wall and sin,
Shoot the enemy I don't hate,
So that you can sleep in comfort..."

The words pierced through me,
My mind in a confused whirpool,
Realizing there were no winners here,
For this is a game without victory,
And I walked away in a daze,
Without a word of apology,
To the safety of my shed,
Very ashamed,
But also a little proud
Of the soldier's pride...

~ Rahul Misra ~

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