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)