martyrs

I awoke from a dream
shivering with dread
it was my son 
I had seen 
moaning, bloodied,
holding out his hand 
for his comrade's help
if mothers decided 
the fates of nations 
perhaps discoveries and inventions
would be the cause of celebrations 
not the laying of wreaths on martyrs' 
graves
for that is a travesty worse than the fate 
which befalls the brave young men 
who die so that we may live 
and celebrate their martyrdom !
(priya)